question for macro dudes

[photocat]

OK... I own two lenses now who tell me they are macro but they are not.
How do I order a real macro without seeiing it in real life (I live in UK, but hubby is an american, so we buy online...)
If the text says 1.1, is that a REAL macro? As in make a fly look like an elephant?
I have been told that if it is a real macro, it has to have shifting elements...
Who can explain in toddler language what the things are that I have to look for... let's say in Porters catalogue... How can I be sure to buy a real macro...
Help would be very very much appreciated.

[Lord Vetinari]

Real macro lenses are fixed focal length and should be able to do 1:1 at minimum focus distance. You can get them in focal lengths from 50mm to 180mm but they are quite expensive.
I use the sigma 105mm EX macro lens for my shots (see cool shots sectiion)
Brian V.

ps they also often make great portrait lenses.