American’s hilarious reaction as friend reveals Australian words

An Aussie and her “American bestie” have played a hilarious game comparing common terms in the US and Australia.

Foreigners discovering Australian slang for the first time is almost guaranteed to cause a laugh between friends.

Australian woman Kira LeMarshall, who has shared her life in Hawaii on TikTok, posted a video last week with her “American bestie” comparing terms used in the US and Australia. The game had the pair in stitches.

While Australians are usually familiar with typical American words thanks to movies, TV shows and books, it is not hard to find an American who is shocked to hear typical Aussie words, slang or sayings.

As Ms LeMarshall identified pictures on the screen, there was a few that left her friend shocked, having to repeat what they just heard.

“Is that cotton candy?” the American asked.

“That’s fairy floss,” Ms LeMarshall replied, to which her friend repeated the word in disbelief.

Comparing American and Australian words for things had the friends in stitches. Pictures: @kiralemarshall / TikTok

The term appeared to also be a favourite among viewers.

“I will forever say fairy floss now,” wrote one woman.

“Cotton candy will always be now fairy floss,” agreed another.

“Fringe” instead of “bangs” also had the “American bestie” questioning what they just heard.

The comparison of “flashlight” and “torch” saw the pair burst into laughter, but it appeared the comparison that had them in stitches the most was “banana hammock” and “budgie smugglers”.

The American had to repeat the word “fringe” to ensure they heard correctly. Picture: @kiralemarshall / TikTok

The pair burst into laughter while identifying the type of swimwear a man was wearing. Picture: @kiralemarshall / TikTok

Other comparisons included “tater tots” and “potato gems”, “french fries” and “chips”, “soda” and “soft drink”, “dish towel” and “tea towel”, “closet” and “wardrobe”, “silverware” and “cutlery”, and “eraser” and “rubber”.

“Because you rub it away,” the American realised after the initial shock.

The idea of a parking lot being called a car park caused giggling, while flip flops being called thongs prompted a gasp.

Ms LeMarshall told her friend what they knew as a gas station was a petrol station, however Aussies in the comments were quick to correct her.

“It’s a servo not petrol station. Are you even Aussie????” one teased.

“SERVO, woman” another wrote with a laughing emoji.