Since spending more time State-side, I’ve become increasingly aware of the differences in language between the UK and the US. These differences can involve the same word having different meanings or entirely different words used for the same thing.
This comprehensive guide aims to categorize and clarify these language variations while keeping the discussion informative and engaging.
Why Do UK & US English Differ?
Many words evolved differently due to:
- Historical influences (British colonial expansion, American independence)
- Regional dialects (UK has stronger regional differences)
- Technology & pop culture (Hollywood, TV, internet, and social media)
Quick UK vs. US Word Comparison Chart
British vs. American English Word Differences
| British Term (UK) | American Term (US) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alight (from a bus/train) | Get off | Used in transport announcements. |
| Anticlockwise | Counterclockwise | Refers to direction of rotation. |
| Aubergine | Eggplant | French origin in UK, but “Eggplant” describes the shape |
| Banger | Sausage | “Bangers and mash” in the UK is “sausage and mashed potatoes.” |
| Barrister | Attorney | In the UK, a barrister represents clients in court, whereas an attorney is a general legal professional in the US. |
| Bicarbonate of Soda | Baking Soda | Used in cooking and cleaning |
| Bin | Trash can | Container for waste. |
| Biscuit | Cookie | US biscuits are like UK scones |
| Bonnet (car) | Hood | Covers the engine |
| Boot (car) | Trunk | The storage compartment of a car |
| Bottom/Bum | Butt/Backside | “Glutes” is used in fitness settings |
| Braces | Suspenders | In the US, “braces” are for teeth |
| Bun | Muffin | In the UK, a muffin is a different type of baked good |
| Cafeteria | Canteen or Cafe | “Canteen” is used in British schools and offices |
| Car hire | Car rental | Hiring a car in the UK is renting one in the US. |
| Caravan | RV or Trailer | In the UK, “caravan” generally refers to a travel trailer. |
| Chemist’s | Drugstore/Pharmacy | A “chemist” sells medicine and toiletries. |
| Chips (potato slices) | Fries | “Chips” in the US refers to “Crisps” in the UK |
| Cinema | Movie theater | US rarely uses “cinema”, with UK theatre referring to the stage only |
| Class | Grade | Term for school year in the US |
| Clothes Peg | Clothes Pin | Used to hang laundry |
| Courgette | Zucchini | Common vegetable |
| Crisps | Potato chips | Packaged crunchy snacks |
| CV (curriculum vitae) | Resume | In the US, a resume is a short version, while a CV is detailed |
| Draught | Draft | Commonly used for beer and airflow. |
| Drawing pin | Thumbtack | Used to pin things to a board. |
| Dressing gown | Bathrobe | A robe worn at home. |
| Dual carriageway | Divided highway | Road with a central reservation/median. |
| Dummy | Pacifier | Baby item to soothe |
| Dustbins | Trash Cans | Container for waste |
| Estate Agent | Realtor/Real Estate Agent | Sells or rents property |
| Fall | Autumn | Used in the US for the season |
| Film | Movie | “Film” is used in academic settings in the US |
| First floor | Second floor | The UK ground floor is the US first floor. |
| Flagpole | Flagstaff | US term for a structure holding a flag |
| Flat (apartment) | Apartment | “Flat” is never used in the US |
| Flyover | Overpass | A bridge over a road. |
| Full stop | Period | Used at the end of a sentence. |
| Garage | Gas Station | US term for a place selling fuel |
| Garden | Yard | “Garden” in the UK means an area with plants, whereas “yard” in the US can just be grass. |
| Ground floor | First floor | The floor at street level in the US |
| Handbag | Purse | In the US, a purse is a small bag, whereas in the UK it refers to a coin purse. |
| Headmaster/Headmistress | Principal | Used for school leaders |
| Hire purchase | Instalment plan | A system of paying in increments. |
| Holiday | Vacation | “Holiday” in the US refers to Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. |
| Hoover | Vacuum cleaner | Also used as a verb in the UK, e.g., “I’ll hoover the carpet.” |
| Indicator (car) | Turn signal | Blinker used to show direction. |
| Jam | Jelly | US term for fruit spread. |
| Ladybird | Ladybug | Small red and black insect. |
| Ladysfinger | Okra | Edible green vegetable. |
| Lift | Elevator | Vertical transport between floors. |
| Lollipop man/lady | Crossing guard | Helps children cross the road safely. |
| Lorry | Truck | “Lorry” is rare in the US. |
| Lounge | Living Room | Lounge is a more general term, but living room is specific. |
| Mailman | Postal Worker | Person who delivers mail. |
| Maths | Math | Short for Mathematics. |
| Mince | Ground beef | Finely chopped meat. |
| Minced Beef | Ground Beef | Ground meat. |
| Motorway | Freeway | Large highway. |
| Moulting | Shedding | Used for animals losing hair. |
| Nappy | Diaper | Used for babies. |
| Off-licence | Liquor store | A shop selling alcohol. |
| Pantyhose | Tights | Both terms refer to hosiery. |
| Parcel | Package | Used to refer to an item sent in the post. |
| Pavement | Sidewalk | The path alongside the road. |
| Perambulator (or Pram) | Stroller | Used for pushing babies. |
| Petrol | Gas | “Gas” is short for “Gasoline” in the US. |
| Pissed off | Pissed (drunk) | Angry in the UK; drunk in the US. |
| Plaster | Band-aid | Used for covering small wounds. |
| Plug | Outlet, Socket | Electrical connection. |
| Porridge | Oatmeal | Hot cereal dish. |
| Post | The system for sending letters. | |
| Post code | Zip code | A postal identifier. |
| Postman/Postwoman | Mailman/Mailwoman | Person who delivers mail. |
| Pushchair | Stroller | Used for pushing babies. |
| Queue | Line | Used when waiting for something. |
| Roll or Bap | Bun | “Bun” is more general in the US. |
| Roundabout | Traffic circle/Rotary | “Rotary” is used in New England. |
| Rubber | Eraser | “Rubber” in the US refers to a condom. |
| Rubbish | Trash | General waste. |
| Sacked | Fired | Fired from a job. |
| Saloon (car) | Sedan | A type of car. |
| Shoelace | Shoestring | Laces used for shoes. |
| Silencer (on motor vehicle) | Muffler | Used to reduce engine noise. |
| Spanner | Wrench | Tools for turning bolts. |
| Suspenders | Braces | US: holds up pants, UK: holds up stockings. |
| Swede (or yellow turnip) | Rutabaga | Root vegetable. |
| Sweets | Candy | Sugary treats. |
| Takeaway | Takeout | Food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere. |
| Tannoy | PA system | Used in the UK for loudspeaker announcements. |
| Tap | Faucet | Water control fixture. |
| Toilet, Lavatory, Loo, Bog, Water Closet | Restroom (or John) | Common UK terms for a bathroom/Place where you find toilets. |
| Trainers | Sneakers | Sports shoes. |
| Trousers | Pants | “Pants” in the UK means underwear. |
| Tube/Underground | Subway | The underground Tube system in London or subway in the US. |
| Wardrobe | Closet | Storage for clothes. |
| Windcheater | Windbreaker | A lightweight jacket. |
| Windscreen | Windshield | Front glass of a car. |
| Zebra crossing | Crosswalk | A marked pedestrian crossing. |
Words That Have the Same Spelling But Different Meanings
Some words exist in both dialects but have entirely different meanings:
| Word | UK Meaning | US Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pants | Underwear | Trousers |
| Suspenders | Used to hold up stockings | Used to hold up trousers |
| Football | Soccer | American Football (NFL) |
| Boot | Car storage area | Footwear |
| Trolley | Shopping cart | Streetcar/tram |
| Vest | Undershirt | Sleeveless outerwear |
| Public School | Expensive private school | Free government-funded school |
Plurals with Different Rules in British & American English
Some plural forms differ between UK & US English:
| Singular (UK) | Plural (UK) | Plural (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Index | Indices | Indexes |
| Appendix | Appendices | Appendixes (for books) |
| Octopus | Octopodes (rare) | Octopuses (preferred) |
| Cul-de-sac | Culs-de-sac | Cul-de-sacs |
American Words That Have No British Equivalent
There are some words that simply do not exist in the UK (or have different alternatives), although of course we all know them from American TV and Movies:
| US English Word | Closest UK Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Dumpster | Skip (large rubbish bin) |
| Sidewalk | Pavement |
| Pacifier | Dummy |
| Popsicle | Ice Lolly |
| Flashlight | Torch |
| Zip Code | Postcode |
| Candy | Sweets |
| Diaper | Nappy |
| Highway | Motorway |
| Gas Station | Petrol Station |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do British & American English use different words?
- Historical evolution, colonial influence, and media exposure contributed to differences.
- Noah Webster’s American Dictionary (1828) simplified spelling (e.g., colour → color).
- Some words, like “trousers” and “pants,” changed meaning over time.
Why do Americans say “Fall” instead of “Autumn”?
- “Fall” was originally British but fell out of use in the UK.
- “Autumn” comes from the Latin word autumnus.
What’s the difference between “petrol” and “gas”?
- “Petrol” is short for petroleum, the British term for fuel.
- “Gas” in the US is short for gasoline.
Do Americans understand British English?
Mostly, yes! Thanks to films, TV, and travel. Some words might cause confusion (“pants” meaning underwear, “boot” meaning a car trunk).
Did we miss any words? Share your favourite/favorite UK/US English differences in the comments!
