Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and American English. This page is intended as a guide only. Bear in mind that there can be differences in the choice of specific terms depending on dialect and region within both the USA and the UK.
British English VS American English
| British English | American English |
| anti-clockwise | counter-clockwise |
| articulated lorry | trailer truck |
| autumn | autumn, fall |
| barrister | attorney |
| bill (restaurant) | bill, check |
| biscuit | cookie |
| block of flats | apartment building |
| bonnet (clothing) | hat |
| bonnet (car) | hood |
| boot | trunk |
| bumper (car) | bumper, fender |
| caravan | trailer |
| car park | parking lot |
| chemist's shop | drugstore, pharmacy |
| chest of drawers | dresser, chest of drawers, bureau |
| chips | fries, French fries |
| the cinema | the movies |
| clothes peg | clothespin |
| coffin | coffin, casket |
| crisps | potato chips |
| crossroads | intersection; crossroads (rural) |
| cupboard | cupboard (in kitchen); closet (for clothes etc) |
| diversion | detour |
| drawing-pin | thumbtack |
| drink-driving | drunk driving |
| driving licence | driver's license |
| dual carriageway | divided highway |
| dummy (for baby) | pacifier |
| dustbin | garbage can, trash can |
| dustman | garbage collector |
| engine | engine, motor |
| estate agent | real estate agent |
| estate car | station wagon |
| film | film, movie |
| flat | apartment, flat, studio |
| flat tyre | flat tire |
| flyover | overpass |
| gearbox (car) | transmission |
| gear-lever | gearshift |
| Girl Guide | Girl Scout |
| ground floor | ground/first floor |
| handbag | handbag, purse, shoulder bag |
| high street | main street |
| holiday | vacation |
| hood (car) | convertible top |
| jam | jam, preserves |
| jug | jug, pitcher |
| juggernaut | 18-wheeler |
| lift | elevator |
| lorry | truck, semi, tractor |
| mad | crazy, insane |
| main road | highway |
| maize | corn |
| maths | math |
| motorbike | motorcycle |
| motorway | freeway, expressway |
| motorway | highway, freeway, expressway, interstate highway, interstate |
| nappy | diaper |
| naughts and crosses | tic-tack-toe |
| pants, underpants | underpants, drawers |
| pavement | sidewalk |
| pet hate | pet peeve |
| petrol | gas, gasoline |
| The Plough | Big Dipper |
| pocket money | allowance |
| post | |
| postbox | mailbox |
| postcode | zip code |
| postman | mailman, mail carrier, letter carrier |
| pub | bar |
| public toilet | rest room, public bathroom |
| railway | railroad |
| return (ticket) | round-trip |
| reverse charge | collect call |
| ring road | beltway, freeway/highway loop |
| road surface | pavement, blacktop |
| roundabout | traffic circle, roundabout |
| rubber | eraser |
| rubbish | garbage, trash |
| rubbish-bin | garbage can, trashcan |
| saloon (car) | sedan |
| shop | shop, store |
| silencer (car) | muffler |
| single (ticket) | one-way |
| solicitor | lawyer, attorney |
| spanner | wrench |
| sweets | candy |
| taxi | taxi, taxi cab |
| tea towel | dish towel |
| telly (informal), TV | television, TV |
| third-party insurance | liability insurance |
| timetable | schedule |
| tin | can |
| toll motorway | toll road, turnpike |
| torch | flashlight |
| trousers | pants, trousers |
| tube (train) | subway |
| underground (train) | subway |
| vest | undershirt |
| waistcoat | vest |
| wallet | wallet, billfold |
| wellington boots | rubber boots, rain boots |
| whisky | whiskey, scotch |
| windscreen | windshield |
| zip | zipper |
American and British vocabulary.
There are differences between British and American English – but there are also regional differences in British and American dialects. If you spot something that you think is strange, or if you have an alternative for any of the words, please let us know!
In the list below, the first expression is always British English.
Houses.
Washing up liquid = Dish soap
Hoover = Vacuum cleaner
Washing powder = Laundry soap
Clothes peg = Clothes pin
Fridge = Fridge / Refrigerator
Living room / lounge = Living room / Den
Chest of drawers = Bureau
Wardrobe = Closet
Armchair = Easy chair
Larder / pantry = Pantry
Oven = Oven / stove
Cars.
Mirror = Rear view mirror
Wing mirror = Side mirror
Indicators = Blinkers
Bonnet = Hood
Boot = Trunk
Windscreen = Windshield
Put your foot down = Step on the gas
(To drive fast)
Motor / wheels = Wheels
(Informal expressions for your car)
