"To swap war stories"

Hi,

does "to swap war stories" mean
"exchange our experiences"?

For example, "Let's meet over beer and
swap war stories."

Also, is it an AmE expression or is it also
used in the UK?

Thanks

In AmE this phrase means "exchange [similar] experiences," just like you thought. They are usually experiences dealing with overcoming difficulties.

Teachers or students may "swap war stories" about their classroom experiences.

Spectators at a tennis match couldn't "swap war stories" about what pleasant afternoons they had.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mykwyner

In AmE this phrase means "exchange [similar] experiences," just like you thought. They are usually experiences dealing with overcoming difficulties.
Teachers or students may "swap war stories" about their classroom experiences.
Spectators at a tennis match couldn't "swap war stories" about what pleasant afternoons they had.

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OK, I understand it clearly now. Thank you
for elucidating the difference. :up: