Team USA tries out a British accent in "Thank You Britain"

By: Bailey Johnson
Topics: Viral Video

(CBS News) Great Britain: they speak the same language as Americans, only not really. With the London Olympics about to get underway, Team USA decided to take some time and learn the local dialects. In a series called "Thank You Britain," athletes try their hand at the classic "Cockney" accent in amusing videos sure to make you go chicken oriental! (Whatever that even means.)

For the record, "chicken oriental" apparently means to go crazy with excitement. That could accurately describe some of us who are looking forward for the games to begin. If you just can't wait, check out the rest of "Thank You Britain" for more great Team USA moments.

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by marylafl July 28, 2012 7:14 PM EDT

It's English EmpireG. not American.That's the difference!

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by EmpireGeorge______-- July 30, 2012 10:10 AM EDT: I was referring to the midlands accent, not the language or variation of a language.....and the reason we can't understand them, is not because it is English and not American, that is not the reason.....some brits can't even understand cogney accents either.

by MagnaCartaUK July 28, 2012 4:19 PM EDT

'EmpireGeorge' -'yow worked in the West Midlands'? If so, it's a small World as I don't live too far away, but out in the countryside. I'm familiar with those accents, mainly because I know people from Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Stoke-On-Trent. Some of our accents can be difficult to understand if you're not use to them, and although one isn't aware of it, very easy to pick up. When returning home it's the first thing people notice. If you did work in the West Midlands, I hope you were well-looked after and enjoyed your time here. Cheers, MagnaCarta.

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by EmpireGeorge______-- July 28, 2012 5:12 PM EDT: MagnaCartaUK, worked closely with Johnson Matthey, precious metals, pottery, electronics...out of Burslem, stoke-on-trent....have you heard of them ? Yes, I was well looked after, good salt-of-the-earth folks....cheers, mate.


by MagnaCartaUK July 28, 2012 6:51 PM EDT: Johnson Matthey. That name certainly sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. A friend of mine from Stoke would probably know though. They're sound folks in the Potteries, and Staffordshire in general, and I'm glad you were made welcome. Don't know if the Olympics are your thing, but if so, I hope you enjoy them too. Take care George, and all the very best. Cheers, MagnaCarta.


by EmpireGeorge______-- July 30, 2012 10:11 AM EDT: MagnaCartaUK, cheers...thanks, it was pleasant speaking with you.


by Collabd July 27, 2012 5:53 AM EDT: They should have used the cockney rhyming slang phrase that has the best Anglo-American connection: "Chevy Chase" = "face".; Reply to this comment

by MagnaCartaUK July 26, 2012 10:09 PM EDT

Lol, oooh, long way to go yet I'm afraid. I live in a different part of Eng-er-land, and so wasn't born within the sound of Bow Bells - to be a proper Cockney you have to have been. I think it's rhyming slang for 'go mental', though a Cockney would be the best person to ask. Interesting thing accents, there was research done that claimed the Cockney and New York accents had some historical linkage - I think they both pronounce New as noo, but personally I'm not sure its possible. Generally I can tell the Noo Yoik accent and that of the southern States, but that's about it. All the rest sound the same, though an American visitor here once told me I would if you were in the same room as a Canadian, and two Americans from the Mid-West and the West Coast; the difference would be noticable. If truth be told, there's accents here in Britain I have difficulty in understanding for the most part.

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by EmpireGeorge______-- July 27, 2012 2:41 PM EDT: for years, I worked with many people from the black country, stoke, manchester, newbery....I just couldn't understand what they were saying, even though it was supposed to be English they were speeking..