British vs American English Words You Didn’t Know Were Different

Jan 3, 2026, 15:59 IST

British and American English share the same roots but differ in spelling, vocabulary, and meanings. From food and clothing to daily life and traffic terms, small word changes can cause confusion. This article highlights common British vs American English words, helping learners understand both versions easily through clear examples and comparisons.

British vs American English Words You Didn’t Know Were Different
British vs American English Words You Didn’t Know Were Different

English is spoken everywhere. Do British and American English words confuse you sometimes? Don’t worry, many learners face this challenge. Both versions are valid and popular. But when you compare these two, you will be surprised by the interesting differences. They vary in terms of spelling, pronunciation, and even meaning. It’s funny how the same word can mean two different things and end up confusing people. In this blog, you will learn some interesting British vs American English Words you didn’t know were different.

British vs American English Words

British vs American English words differ due to history and lifestyle. Over time, both forms of English have undergone many changes. British English still uses traditional spellings. But American English have simplified the words. For example, British words like “colour” and “favour” eliminate the extra u in American English. They are termed as  “color” and “favor.” This small change has formed a new word altogether.

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British vs American English Words: Food and Eating

There are certain food names that are different in British and American English. Let’s explore the list and learn new words to sharpen your vocabulary.

British English

American English

Biscuit

Cookie

Aubergine

Eggplant

Courgette

Zucchini

British vs American English Words: Clothing

Planning a trip to the UK or the USA? You will have a great time. But you need to learn a few correct words to avoid funny misunderstandings. Do you know that both places have different names for a few clothing items? To help, we have provided the list of British vs American English for clothing:

British English

American English

Trousers

Pants

Jumper

Sweater

Nappy

Diaper

British vs American English Words: Daily Life

Several common words and daily items have different names in British and American English. Even the slightest error can create confusion. So knowing these names in advance can save you from embarrassment.

British English

American English

Flat

Apartment

Rubbish

Garbage/Trash

Petrol

Gas

Holiday

Vacation

Lift

Elevator

British vs American English Words: Traffic

Certain travel words differ in British and American English. Take a look at the list below to improve your vocabulary.

British English

American English

Car Park

Parking Lot

Zebra crossing

Marked crosswalk

Grade-separated junction

Interchange

British vs American English Words: Same Word, Different Meaning

Some words look the same in British and American English. But their meanings are completely different. This can lead to both confusion and embarrassment. Below is a list of such words that appear identical in both versions but mean different things.

Word

British English

American English

Banger

A sausage

Popular and Energetic Song

Casket

A small box for valuables

The type of coffin

Quite Good

Not so Good

Really Good

British vs American English Words: Spelling Differences

American English just removes the additional letter. Both versions are widely used across the world. Here is how British English words are different from American English in terms of spelling.

British English

American English

Behaviour

Colour

Flavour

Harbour

Honour

Humour

Labour

Neighbour

Rumour

Behavior

Color

Flavor

Harbor

Honor

Humor

Labor

Neighbor

Rumor

British and American English are like two family members. They look alike but function differently. To understand this difference, compare them closely. You will notice the variation when you try to speak or hear both versions. You don’t have to learn everything at once. Just observe when you watch movies or listen to podcasts. With practice, you will easily understand both versions and never get confused again.

Mridula Sharma
Mridula Sharma

Content Writer

Mridula Sharma is an experienced content writer with a background in Journalism and Mass Communication. With three years of experience in crafting engaging and informative articles, she specializes in education and exam-related content. Currently contributing at Jagran Josh, Mridula aims to provide readers with well-researched insights that help them in their exam preparation journey.

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