English-English Dictionary
If youve watched both British and American tv shows, youll know that citizens of those countries speak the same language but use many different words. Many English-speaking countries outside of the USA often use British terminology but include their own slang, while some countries with other native languages use American terms. It can be confusing, but instead of being nervous consider it part of your global education.
Below is a short dictionary of some differences in word usage between British English and American English that should be useful in your first few months in the USA. And if theres something we missed, well, it will be a good story.
| British English | American English |
| anti-clockwise | counter-clockwise |
| aubergine | eggplant |
| barrister | trial lawyer |
| bedsit | studio apartment |
| beetroot | beets |
| bicarb of soda | baking soda |
| bin | trash can |
| biro | ballpoint pen |
| biscuit | cookie |
| bonnet | hood of a car |
| boot | trunk of a car |
| bursary | financial aid, scholarship |
| c.v. (curriculum vitae) | resume |
| car park | parking lot |
| chambers | law offices (in England, for a barrister only) |
| chemists shop | drug store |
| chips | french fries |
| coach cotton wool | bus cotton balls |
| courgettes | zucchini |
| crisps | potato chips |
| cupboard | kitchen or living room cabinet |
| diary | calendar |
| doctors surgery | doctors office |
| dummy | babys pacifier |
| engaged (telephone) | busy signal |
| estate agent | realtor |
| fags (slang) | cigarettes |
| flat | apartment |
| football | soccer |
| fortnight | two weeks |
| full stop | period |
| gear box | transmission |
| gear stick | gear shift |
| ground floor | first floor |
| garden | yard |
| hire car | rental car |
| holiday | vacation |
| hoover | vacuum-cleaner, vacuum |
| indicators | turn signal |
| jam | jelly |
| Jumper | sweater |
| kit | sports uniform |
| life assurance | life insurance |
| lettings | property for rent |
| lift | elevator |
| lorry | truck |
| mad | crazy |
| marrow | Squash |
| minced meat | ground beef |
| nappy | diaper |
| naught | zero |
| number plate | license plate |
| pants | underwear |
| pavement | sidewalk |
| petrol | gas |
| pissed (slang) | drunk |
| post | |
| queue | line |
| return ticket | round-trip ticket |
| rubber | eraser |
| rubbish | trash |
| scone | biscuit |
| sello tape | scotch tape |
| senior school | high school |
| serviette | napkin |
| sixth form | last two years of high school |
| smart | well-dressed |
| solicitor | lawyer |
| spring onions | scallions |
| surname | last name |
| sweets | candy |
| tablets | pills |
| take-away | food to carry out at restaurant |
| tick | check mark |
| tin | can |
| toilet | bathroom |
| torch | flashlight |
| trainers | sneakers |
| trolley | shopping cart |
| trousers | pants |
| vest | undershirt |
| wardrobe | clothing closet |
| zed | the letter Z |
| zebra crossing | crosswalk |