British and American English may share the same roots, but their words often tell different stories!
From lift vs. elevator to holiday vs. vacation, these differences make English both fascinating and confusing.
Historically, American English evolved through simplification and influence from immigrants, while British English held onto older forms.
In this guide, you’ll explore lists of vocabulary that show how everyday words change meaning across the Atlantic–from travel and food to slang and work life.
Why British and American English Use Different Words
The differences go back to history and culture.
When English spread to America, settlers mixed it with influences from other languages, creating new expressions.
Meanwhile, Britain preserved traditional words and later adopted unique slang through media and class culture.
Over time, spelling reforms, slang evolution, and pop culture shaped two versions of the same language that now coexist in movies, schools, and workplaces worldwide.
Complete List of British vs American Words and Their Meanings
When you travel, study, or watch movies, you’ll often notice that everyday English words differ between the UK and the US.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common examples–explained in context–so you can sound natural no matter which side you’re on.
Travel and Transportation Vocabulary
- Lift (UK) vs. Elevator (US) — is a mechanical device that transports people or goods vertically between floors in a building. Use it in a sentence like, “Take the lift (or elevator) to the third floor.”
- Petrol (UK) vs. Gas (US) — both refer to the fuel used in cars. In Britain, you’d say, “I need to fill up with petrol,” while in America, it becomes “I need to get some gas.”
- Motorway (UK) vs. Highway (US) — describes major roads connecting cities. For example, “We drove down the motorway for hours,” or “We took the highway to Los Angeles.”
- Lorry (UK) vs. Truck (US) — is a large vehicle used for transporting goods. You might hear, “The lorry delivered the goods early this morning.”
- Car park (UK) vs. Parking lot (US) — refers to an area where vehicles are parked. For instance, “The car park is full” or “The parking lot is full.”
Food and Drink Words
- Chips (UK) vs. Fries (US) — are long pieces of fried potato. In the UK, “fish and chips” is a national dish, while in the US, you’d order “fish and fries.”
- Biscuit (UK) vs. Cookie (US) — both mean a sweet baked treat. In British English, “Have a biscuit with your tea,” while in American English, “Have a cookie with your coffee.”
- Crisps (UK) vs. Chips (US) — are thin, crunchy potato slices sold in packets. You might say, “She bought a bag of crisps” or “She bought a bag of chips.”
- Aubergine (UK) vs. Eggplant (US) — is a purple vegetable often used in Mediterranean dishes. Example: “Add chopped aubergine (eggplant) to the curry.”
- Coriander (UK) vs. Cilantro (US) — refers to the same herb, the fresh leaves and seeds. For example: “For a finishing touch on the salsa, sprinkle fresh cilantro (or coriander) leaves.”
Everyday British Words Americans Find Confusing
- Flat (UK) vs. Apartment (US) — means a living space within a building. You might say, “She rents a flat in London” or “She rents an apartment in New York.”
- Loo (UK) vs. Bathroom (US) — is an informal way to refer to the toilet. For example, “Excuse me, where’s the loo?” or “Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?”
- Boot (UK) vs. Trunk (US) — is the storage compartment at the back of a car. For instance, “Put your luggage in the boot,” or “Put your luggage in the trunk.”
- Holiday (UK) vs. Vacation (US) — refers to time off work or travel. “We’re going on holiday to Spain,” becomes “We’re going on vacation to Spain.”
- Torch (UK) vs. Flashlight (US) — is a portable electric light. You could say, “Grab a torch; it’s dark outside,” or “Grab a flashlight; it’s dark outside.”
Slang and Informal Expressions
- Bum bag (UK) vs. Fanny pack (US) — is a small bag worn around the waist. In British English, “I keep my phone in my bum bag,” while in American English, “I keep my phone in my fanny pack.”
- Cheeky (UK) — means playfully rude or mischievous. You might hear, “Let’s grab a cheeky pint after work,” meaning a casual, spontaneous drink.
- Fancy (UK) vs. “Like” or “Want” (US) — expresses attraction or desire. “Do you fancy some coffee?” simply means “Do you want some coffee?”
- Knackered (UK) vs. Exhausted (US) — means very tired. Example: “I’m knackered after that long day,” or “I’m exhausted after that long day.”
- Rubbish (UK) vs. Garbage (US) — can mean literal trash or something of poor quality. “Take out the rubbish,” or “That idea is rubbish.”
Business, Tech, and Work Terms
- Mobile (UK) vs. Cell phone (US) — both mean a portable phone. “Call me on my mobile” and “Call me on my cell” mean the same thing.
- CV (UK) vs. Résumé (US) — is a summary of your professional experience. “Please attach your CV to the application,” or “Please attach your résumé.”
- Holiday entitlement (UK) vs. Paid time off (US) — both refer to work leave benefits. Example: “It’s important to use your paid time (or holiday entitlement) off to prevent burnout.”
- Public school (UK) vs. Private school (US) — confusingly, a “public school” in Britain is actually a private, fee-paying institution. “The city has many public schools (or private schools).”
- Full stop (UK) vs. Period (US) — means the dot at the end of a sentence. Teachers might say, “Don’t forget the full stop,” or “Don’t forget the period.”
Common Spelling and Word Usage Differences
Apart from vocabulary, spelling also marks the divide between British and American English.
Here are some key differences:
- Colour (UK) vs. Color (US)
- Organise (UK) vs. Organize (US)
- Theatre (UK) vs. Theater (US)
- Defence (UK) vs. Defense (US)
- Centre (UK) vs. Center (US)
These variations often confuse learners, but both forms are correct!
What matters is consistency, especially in writing for specific audiences (e.g., British publications vs. American blogs).
Conclusion
British and American English may sound alike, but their words reflect centuries of history and culture.
Knowing these differences helps you communicate more clearly and even enjoy the quirks of the language.
Tip: Choose one variety for consistency in writing, but stay familiar with both for real-world understanding.
Want to keep learning? Read our next guide on EZClass and the EZClass blog to to sound more like a local!
