Language & Culture

British vs. American English: 25 Everyday Words That Are Totally Different

Have you ever ordered "chips" in London and gotten fries instead of crunchy snacks? British and American English can be surprisingly different — even for everyday words! Knowing these differences can save you from funny (or awkward) moments when traveling or chatting online.

Why Are There Differences?

English spread around the world over centuries, picking up local influences and evolving separately in different regions. British English often keeps older forms, while American English tends to simplify and modernize spelling and vocabulary.

25 Everyday Words: British vs. American

1. Chips (UK) vs. Fries (US)

In the UK, "chips" are thick-cut fried potatoes (what Americans call fries). In the US, "chips" means thin crispy slices (UK "crisps").

2. Crisps (UK) vs. Chips (US)

What Brits call "crisps," Americans know as "chips."

3. Biscuit (UK) vs. Cookie (US)

In Britain, a "biscuit" is a sweet baked snack; in America, a "biscuit" is more like a soft bread roll served with gravy.

4. Flat (UK) vs. Apartment (US)

Want to rent a place in London? You’ll look for a "flat," not an "apartment."

5. Lift (UK) vs. Elevator (US)

If you need to go up floors, it’s a "lift" in the UK and an "elevator" in the US.

6. Lorry (UK) vs. Truck (US)

A big vehicle carrying goods is a "lorry" in British English and a "truck" in American English.

7. Boot (UK) vs. Trunk (US)

The storage space at the back of a car is the "boot" in the UK and the "trunk" in the US.

8. Bonnet (UK) vs. Hood (US)

The front cover of a car (over the engine) is the "bonnet" in the UK and the "hood" in the US.

9. Tap (UK) vs. Faucet (US)

Water comes out of a "tap" in Britain and a "faucet" in America.

10. Rubbish (UK) vs. Trash/Garbage (US)

In the UK, you throw away "rubbish"; in the US, it’s "trash" or "garbage."

11. Nappy (UK) vs. Diaper (US)

Babies wear "nappies" in the UK and "diapers" in the US.

12. Sweets (UK) vs. Candy (US)

Got a sweet tooth? In the UK, you ask for "sweets"; in the US, it’s "candy."

13. Trainers (UK) vs. Sneakers (US)

Comfortable athletic shoes are "trainers" in Britain and "sneakers" in America.

14. Jumper (UK) vs. Sweater (US)

A knitted top is a "jumper" in the UK and a "sweater" in the US.

15. Postcode (UK) vs. ZIP code (US)

Addresses include "postcodes" in Britain and "ZIP codes" in America.

16. Holiday (UK) vs. Vacation (US)

Going away? Brits take a "holiday," while Americans go on "vacation."

17. Queue (UK) vs. Line (US)

Waiting your turn? In Britain, you "queue"; in America, you stand in "line."

18. Biscuit (US) vs. Scone (UK)

In the US, a "biscuit" is soft and flaky (like a UK "scone"), not sweet and crunchy.

19. Football (UK) vs. Soccer (US)

In the UK, "football" means what Americans call "soccer."

20. Petrol (UK) vs. Gas/Gasoline (US)

Cars run on "petrol" in Britain and "gas" in the US.

21. Car park (UK) vs. Parking lot (US)

You leave your car in a "car park" in Britain and a "parking lot" in America.

22. Dummy (UK) vs. Pacifier (US)

Babies suck on a "dummy" in the UK and a "pacifier" in the US.

23. Torch (UK) vs. Flashlight (US)

When it's dark, Brits use a "torch," and Americans use a "flashlight."

24. Chemist (UK) vs. Drugstore/Pharmacy (US)

Need medicine? You visit a "chemist" in Britain and a "pharmacy" or "drugstore" in America.

25. Zebra crossing (UK) vs. Crosswalk (US)

Pedestrians use a "zebra crossing" in the UK and a "crosswalk" in the US.

Why It’s Fun to Learn Both

Learning these differences isn’t just practical — it’s a fun way to connect with people around the world! You’ll understand jokes, movies, and avoid those hilarious travel mix-ups.

Conclusion

Whether you speak British or American English, both are correct and fascinating in their own ways. Embrace the differences, learn some new words, and enjoy the richness of the language!

FAQs

Q1: Should I use British or American English when writing?
A1: Choose one style and stay consistent, depending on your audience or region.

Q2: Which version is "more correct"?
A2: Neither! Both are equally valid and just reflect different histories and cultures.

Q3: Are there spelling differences too?
A3: Yes! For example, "colour" (UK) vs. "color" (US), "centre" (UK) vs. "center" (US).

Q4: Will people understand me if I mix words?
A4: Usually, yes — but it can sound odd or confuse people in formal writing.

Q5: Where can I learn more about these differences?
A5: Check resources like the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, or language blogs!