Here for your reading pleasure is another round of Jumbled Jargon– words that mean something different in the UK than they do in the US.

Have you had any joy?

I have my father-in-law to thank for introducing me to this phrase. My husband got a good laugh at me when I didn’t know what this meant. “I’ve started a new venture.” “Yes? Have you had any joy?”

Meaning: Have you had any success?

so Bob’s your uncle… 

Often plopped onto the end of a long-winded explanation, it means: So there you have it.

Crisps = Chips

Chips = Fries (i.e. fish and chips)

Biscuits = cookies of sorts but usually light texture like graham cracker

Digestive Biscuit = graham cracker

Craic (a solid Irish word for ya)

In context, it would be used as “Now that’s some good craic” or “he’s good craic” or “what’s the craic?”

Meaning: fun, enjoyment, banter, company. Use this word liberally in the USA and you will get attention, albeit possibly not positive.

keep-calm-and-enjoy-the-craic-3

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