6 Tricky Russian Words That Only Pretend to Be English

Words like "smoking" and "strings" might seem English at first glance, but their meanings in Russian differ significantly from their true English counterparts. Here, we explore six Russian words that only pretend to be English and explain why using them might not help you shine with perfect English.

Insights from the online English school Skyeng.

1. Face Control

This term is commonly used in Russia when talking about nightclubs and casinos. It looks very English: "face" means face, and "control" means control. However, you won’t find "face control" in the Oxford Dictionary or on any nightclub website in Los Angeles advertising strict "face control."

In reality, "face control" is a Russian invention. Neither Americans nor Brits recognize it. The idea that you might be denied entry based on your appearance is unfamiliar abroad. In Western countries, entry is typically denied only if you’re under 21, intoxicated, or not adhering to a dress code. Speaking of which, "dress code" is a genuine English term.

2. Autostop

At first glance, "autostop" seems to have English roots (auto from automobile and stop). This word is even used in some countries like Poland and Greece.

However, native English speakers are unfamiliar with "autostop." The correct term for hitchhiking in the UK and US is "hitchhiking." The verb form is "to hitchhike" or simply "to hitch."

3. Clipmaker

According to the Russian explanatory dictionary edited by Efremova, a "clipmaker" is a specialist who creates video clips. The logic seems sound: "to make" means to create, and the suffix "-er" denotes a person. But here's the catch: "clip" in English doesn’t mean a music video. It usually refers to a short segment from a movie. For example, "Let's watch a short movie clip."

Therefore, "clip" has no direct connection to music videos. For recent releases by artists like Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, the correct English term is "music video." The proper title for someone who creates these is "music video director."

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4. Killer

In Russian, "killer" refers to a person who is paid to kill someone. In English, however, "killer" simply means "a person who has killed someone," regardless of motive or payment. The term for a hired assassin in English is "hitman."

5. Smoking

If you say "smoking" to an English speaker, they will think of cigarettes—not formal wear. Historically, there was a "smoking jacket," a jacket worn while smoking cigars, but this term is now mostly archaic. To refer to a tuxedo, say "tuxedo" or simply "tux" in the US. In the UK, "dinner jacket" is also acceptable.

6. Strings

While "strings" in Russian refers to a type of underwear resembling thin cords, in English, "strings" means "strings" as in musical instrument strings or string players in an orchestra. The correct English term for this underwear style is "thongs."

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