Arrrrgh!

We all know that learning a new language is not easy. And that even if you can speak the language there are always a few expressions etc.. particular to a region. However, what we have yet to understand, and we would really like someone to explain this to us, please, is what difference one word can make.

For example, if we ask for a schnitzel, everyone looks confused and has no idea what you are talking about. But, use the magic word, Wiener with Schnitzel, (Wiener Schnitzel), furrowed brows clear and we get the "why didn't you just say that in the first place" look.

Say to an American you had mince for dinner, same scenario. The magic words are minced.....meat. So the question goes out there. Are mince and minced meat two completely different things?