British vs American Vocabulary: Language is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of culture, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of different societies around the world. British and American English have many similarities, but there are also numerous differences in vocabulary. From everyday items to food and transportation, there are numerous terms that vary between the two dialects.
Here at Learninger, I’ve compiled a list of common vocabulary differences between British and American English for you to explore. I hope you find this exploration of British and American English vocabulary differences both enlightening and engaging.
Transportation:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| lorry | truck |
| petrol | gasoline (or gas) |
| boot | trunk |
| bonnet | hood |
Clothing:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| jumper | sweater |
| trousers | pants |
| trainers | sneakers (or tennis shoes) |
| waistcoat | vest |
Food:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| crisps | potato chips (or chips) |
| chips | French fries |
| biscuit | cookie |
| courgette | zucchini |
Household Items:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| torch | flashlight |
| dustbin | garbage can (or trash can) |
| tap | faucet |
| hoover | vacuum cleaner |
Miscellaneous:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| flat | apartment |
| biscuit | cookie |
| holiday | vacation |
| chemist | pharmacy |
Spelling:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| colour | color |
| centre | center |
| realise | realize |
| theatre | theater |
| analyse | analyze |
Expressions:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| bloke | guy |
| cheers | thanks |
| chuffed | happy |
| fancy | like |
Automobile Terminology:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| windscreen | windshield |
| indicator | turn signal |
| gearbox | transmission |
Food and Beverage:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| aubergine | eggplant |
| coriander | cilantro |
| rocket | arugula |
Everyday Terms:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| fortnight | two weeks |
| rubbish | trash |
| mobile phone | cell phone |
| post |
Education:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| university | college |
| lecturer | professor |
| maths | math |
| revision | studying |
Time Terminology:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| fortnight | two weeks |
| fortnightly | every two weeks |
| queue | line |
| holiday | vacation |
Units of Measurement:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| stone | pound |
| litre | liter |
| metre | meter |
| kilometre | kilometer |
Slang and Informal Terms:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| bloke (man) | guy |
| cheers | thanks |
| dodgy (suspicious) | sketchy |
| naff (unfashionable) | lame |
Clothing Terminology:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| dressing gown | robe |
| braces | suspenders |
| vest | undershirt (or tank top) |
| swimming costume | swimsuit |
Housing:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| flat | apartment |
| estate agent | real estate agent |
| ground floor | first floor |
| lift | elevator |
