Reggie Perrin (1970s UK TV series)has a lot to answer for. Fake rhyming slang such as 'dustbins' for 'kids' (lids) originated from there.

Once I was touring in Europe with a French Canadian (don't ask!) where we used to confuse the hell out of locals by calling things like 'feet' (plates of meat) 'assiettes' or 'Platter'.

But I don't think this helps in helps your essay...