American English vs. British English

Vocabulary

100

What’s the British word for “apartment”?

Flat

200

What’s the American word for “holiday”?

Vacation.

300

What’s the British equivalent of “truck”?

Lorry.

400

What’s the American term for “postcode”?

ZIP code.

500

What’s the British term for a “cotton candy”?

Candyfloss.

Everyday Objects

100

Americans say “eraser.” What do Brits say?

Rubber.

200

Brits say “biscuit.” What do Americans say?

Cookie.

300

Americans say “cell phone.” What do Brits say?

Mobile phone.

400

Americans say “faucet.” What do Brits say?

Tap.

500

Brits say “torch.” What do Americans say?

Flashlight.

Idioms & Expressions

100

In the UK, something easy is “a piece of cake.” What’s the same idiom in the US?

Same phrase!

200

Brits say “to have a cheek.” What’s the American meaning?

To be rude/shameless.

300

Americans say “hit the books.” What does it mean? 

To study hard.

400

Brits say “to throw a spanner in the works.” What’s the US equivalent?

Throw a wrench in the works.

to cause a problem or difficulty that disrupts or ruins a plan or activity, preventing it from succeeding

500

Americans say “cut someone some slack.” What’s the British equivalent?

Give someone a break.

Pronunciation

100

Schedule

/ˈskedʒ.uːl/ vs /ˈʃedjuːl/

200

Vitamin

VAI-tuh-min vs VIT-uh-min

300

Privacy

PRAI-vuh-see vs PRIV-uh-see

400

Garage

guh-RAHZH vs GARE-ij

500

Herb

(silent h) vs (pronounced h)

Study Abroad

100

In the US, “college” usually means university-level. What does “college” mean in the UK?

A place for 16–18 year-olds or vocational study.

200

In the UK, students live in “halls.” What do Americans call them?

Dorms.

300

In the US, you take “classes.” In the UK, they’re called what?

Modules or courses.

400

In the UK, you queue. In the US, you…?

Stand in line.

500

In the US, “chips” are thin and crispy. What are “chips” in the UK?

Fries.