50 British vs. American Vocabulary Differences

English is a global language, but it changes a lot based on where you are.

British English and American English have a lot in common, but they also have many different words.

This can be tricky for people learning English, especially when they have to pick the right word for a specific situation.

In this post, we will look at 50 vocabulary differences between British and American English that can help you better understand both versions of the language.

1. Biscuit (British) vs. Cookie (American)

In the UK, a sweet treat is often called a “biscuit,” whereas in the US, it’s called a “cookie.” Although the texture may vary slightly, the key difference is in the name.

2. Chips (British) vs. Fries (American)

In the UK, what Americans call “fries” are known as “chips.” Meanwhile, in the US, “chips” refers to the thin, crunchy snack you might eat with a sandwich.

3. Crisps (British) vs. Chips (American)

As mentioned, British people use the word “crisps” to describe what Americans call “chips.” The difference is simple: “crisps” are the thin, crispy potato snacks.

4. Trousers (British) vs. Pants (American)

In the UK, “trousers” refer to what Americans call “pants.” In American English, “pants” refers to the garment worn on the lower body, while in the UK, “pants” means “underwear.”

5. Jumper (British) vs. Sweater (American)

In the UK, a knitted piece of clothing worn to keep warm is called a “jumper.” In the US, the same item is referred to as a “sweater.”

6. Holiday (British) vs. Vacation (American)

In British English, “holiday” refers to taking time off work or school for travel or rest. In American English, this is called a “vacation.”

7. Lift (British) vs. Elevator (American)

When you want to go up or down in a building, you’ll take a “lift” in the UK, whereas in the US, it’s called an “elevator.”

8. Flat (British) vs. Apartment (American)

In the UK, a place where someone lives in a building with other people is called a “flat.” In the US, the same is known as an “apartment.”

9. Lorry (British) vs. Truck (American)

In the UK, large vehicles used for transporting goods are called “lorries,” while in the US, they are called “trucks.”

10. Car park (British) vs. Parking lot (American)

In the UK, a space to park your car is called a “car park,” while in the US, it’s called a “parking lot.”

11. Bobby (British) vs. Cop (American)

A “bobby” is a term used in the UK for a police officer. In the US, the more commonly used term is “cop.”

12. Post (British) vs. Mail (American)

In the UK, “post” refers to the system for sending letters and packages, as well as the letters themselves. In the US, this system is called “mail.”

13. Postman (British) vs. Mailman (American)

The person who delivers your “post” in the UK is called a “postman,” while in the US, they’re referred to as a “mailman.”

14. Autumn (British) vs. Fall (American)

In the UK, the season between summer and winter is called “autumn,” while in the US, it is known as “fall.”

15. Football (British) vs. Soccer (American)

In the UK, the sport played with a round ball that is kicked by players is called “football.” In the US, it’s known as “soccer” to avoid confusion with American football.

16. Queue (British) vs. Line (American)

In the UK, people stand in a “queue” when waiting for something. In the US, the same situation is referred to as a “line.”

17. Tap (British) vs. Faucet (American)

In the UK, the fixture used to control water flow is called a “tap,” while in the US, it’s called a “faucet.”

18. Sweets (British) vs. Candy (American)

In the UK, sugary treats are called “sweets,” while in the US, they’re known as “candy.”

19. Boot (British) vs. Trunk (American)

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

20. Bonnet (British) vs. Hood (American)

The front part of the car that covers the engine is the “bonnet” in the UK, while Americans call it the “hood.”

21. Garden (British) vs. Yard (American)

In the UK, the outdoor space behind or in front of a house is called a “garden.” In the US, it’s referred to as a “yard.”

22. Zebra crossing (British) vs. Crosswalk (American)

A pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes is called a “zebra crossing” in the UK, while in the US, it’s known as a “crosswalk.”

23. Chemist (British) vs. Drugstore (American)

In the UK, a “chemist” is a place to buy medicine and other health products. In the US, it’s known as a “drugstore.”

24. Trolley (British) vs. Cart (American)

In the UK, a “trolley” is used in supermarkets to carry items. In the US, it’s called a “cart.”

25. Postcode (British) vs. Zip code (American)

The system used for postal addresses in the UK is called a “postcode.” In the US, it is called a “zip code.”

26. Cinema (British) vs. Movie theater (American)

In the UK, the place where you watch movies is called the “cinema.” In the US, it’s referred to as a “movie theater.”

27. Football pitch (British) vs. Football field (American)

In the UK, the area where football is played is called the “football pitch,” while in the US, it’s called the “football field.”

28. Shall (British) vs. Will (American)

In British English, people often use “shall” for formal or polite suggestions, whereas Americans typically use “will” in the same contexts.

29. Biscuit tin (British) vs. Cookie jar (American)

A container for storing biscuits in the UK is called a “biscuit tin,” while in the US, it’s known as a “cookie jar.”

30. Lift (British) vs. Ride (American)

In the UK, if you are taken somewhere in a vehicle by someone, it’s called a “lift,” whereas in the US, it is referred to as a “ride.”

31. Boot (British) vs. Car trunk (American)

The storage compartment at the back of a car is known as the “boot” in the UK and the “car trunk” in the US.

32. Torch (British) vs. Flashlight (American)

In the UK, a portable light source is called a “torch,” while in the US, it’s called a “flashlight.”

33. Biscuits (British) vs. Gravy biscuits (American)

“Biscuits” in the UK are crispy sweet treats, whereas in the southern US, they refer to a type of bread roll, often served with gravy.

34. Holiday (British) vs. Day off (American)

In Britain, a “holiday” is a special day off from work. Americans also use “holiday,” but it’s mostly used to refer to specific days like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

35. Parcel (British) vs. Package (American)

In the UK, a “parcel” is a wrapped package, while in the US, it’s commonly referred to as a “package.”

36. Chips (British) vs. Crisps (American)

What Americans call “crisps” are known as “chips” in the UK, adding another twist to food vocabulary.

37. Canteen (British) vs. Cafeteria (American)

In the UK, the place where you eat at school or work is called a “canteen,” whereas in the US, it’s called a “cafeteria.”

38. Footballer (British) vs. Soccer player (American)

In the UK, a “footballer” plays the sport known as “football.” In the US, the same person is called a “soccer player.”

39. Car park (British) vs. Parking garage (American)

In the UK, a large building for parking cars is called a “car park,” while in the US, it is referred to as a “parking garage.”

40. Sofa (British) vs. Couch (American)

In the UK, the soft seating in your living room is called a “sofa,” while in the US, it’s called a “couch.”

41. Trousers (British) vs. Jeans (American)

While “trousers” is the common British term for pants, in the US, this could specifically refer to “jeans,” which are a type of trousers.

42. Trolley (British) vs. Shopping cart (American)

In the UK, you’ll fill a “trolley” with groceries, while in the US, it’s called a “shopping cart.”

43. Postman (British) vs. Mailman (American)

The person who delivers mail in the UK is called a “postman.” In the US, they’re known as “mailmen.”

44. Bar (British) vs. Pub (American)

In the UK, you go to a “pub” to drink and socialize, while in the US, the equivalent is called a “bar.”

45. Plaster (British) vs. Band-aid (American)

In the UK, a small piece of adhesive bandage is called a “plaster,” whereas in the US, it is commonly referred to as a “Band-Aid.”

46. Lorry (British) vs. Pickup truck (American)

In the UK, large vehicles for transporting goods are called “lorries,” while in the US, they’re called “pickup trucks.”

47. Estate car (British) vs. Station wagon (American)

In the UK, a car with a long body for carrying cargo is called an “estate car.” In the US, it’s referred to as a “station wagon.”

48. Postcode (British) vs. Zip code (American)

In the UK, the system of postal codes is called a “postcode,” whereas in the US, it is known as a “zip code.”

49. Washing up (British) vs. Dishwashing (American)

In the UK, doing the dishes is called “washing up,” while in the US, the term “dishwashing” is used.

50. Nappy (British) vs. Diaper (American)

In the UK, a baby’s diaper is called a “nappy,” while in the US, it’s called a “diaper.”

Conclusion

Even though British and American English have a lot in common, there are enough differences in vocabulary that can be confusing.

Learning about these 50 vocabulary differences can help you see how British and American English are not the same.

Whether you’re going on a trip, studying, or just curious about the language, knowing these differences will make it easier for you to communicate.