How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?

Generally speaking, Americans cannot understand British slang. But most British people can understand American slang, quite well in fact. Does Hollywood have anything to do with this? We get very few British TV shows here, but in British TV, at least half the programs are American. And the movie market in UK is composed of at least 80% American movies. Then comes Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook, etc...

Is our media and Hollywood responsible for the spread and understandability of our talk?How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?Movies, Hollywood.



Just like most Arabs can understand the Egyptian dialect, but not vice-vers :)How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?
It's entirely to do with the amount of exposure British people have to American English, compared to the amount American people have of British English. On terrestial television, I would say that less than half the programmes are American, though.How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?Simple, British watch American TV/ Shows... Americans, well I'm sure they haven't been watching Eastenders and such. Also, in terms of London slang, how often do you see TV shows with people going "yo iiigh son wa'gwan brav" and such lol
British?BRITISH? You must be English.The reason is the English and Americans share a common brain cell which makes it impossible to understand yourself.Nyuk Nyuk! Simple.America is full of mother*$^%"()*and England is full of w*!$拢%26amp;*.How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?Like you said American shows, movie, and internet sites. American English is more widespread than British English so it is easier to pick up the slang. More than likely, the only time Americans hear British slang is watching Simon Cowell on American Idol lol.How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?
Yes. Wouldn't say it was a bad thing though.



The only point I find slightly irritating is that Americans insist on calling football "soccer".
Yeah, most of our films are american, plus, you guys aren't really that imaginative when it comes to slang!How can British people understand American slang, but vice-versa no?
You answered you own initial question and, yes.
American are stupid?
I think you answered your own question.
Same goes for a sense of humour
understand those mad hatters who enslaved our gr8 nation? we got freedom frm them but very soon we will b free frm their stupid accent.
Nope. Americans just don't have the time or interest. Brits are American wannabes.