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.
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