In America, some everyday words take on a different meaning when used in England, and vice versa. Learn which words to use carefully to prevent misunderstandings when traveling abroad to other English-speaking countries.
Pants
In the US, “pants” are what you wear over your legs, usually as part of your outerwear. But if you’re in the UK and talk about your pants, you might get some odd looks. That’s because, in British English, “pants” actually refers to underwear. Imagine the confusion at a UK department store when an American asks where to find the pants!
Rubber
If you’re in the US and ask someone for a rubber, you’ll likely receive an eraser to correct pencil mistakes. However, this request might raise eyebrows in the UK, where “rubber” is slang for a condom. This difference can lead to some humorous misunderstandings in office or school settings.
Biscuit
In the UK, a “biscuit” is what Americans would call a cookie, a sweet treat perfect for tea time. However, in the US, a biscuit is a soft, flaky bread often served with breakfast or dinner. A British person in the US might be surprised when ordering a biscuit and receiving something savory instead of sweet.
Chips
When someone in the UK mentions “chips,” they’re referring to what Americans call “fries.” Meanwhile, “chips” in the US are thin, crispy potato snacks known in the UK as “crisps.” This can lead to some funny mix-ups when ordering food in a restaurant.
Football
“Football” in the UK refers to the sport Americans know as “soccer.” In the US, “football” is a completely different game involving touchdowns and field goals. This often confuses sports fans when discussing their favorite teams and games across the Atlantic.
Jumper
In the UK, a “jumper” is a sweater. However, in the US, the term is used for a sleeveless dress worn over a blouse or sweater, known in the UK as a “pinafore.” This can lead to some amusing confusion when discussing fashion choices.
Boot
If you’re in the UK and someone mentions putting something in the “boot,” they mean the trunk of their car. In the US, however, a “boot” is a type of footwear. This difference can cause some funny misunderstandings when packing for a trip.
Lorry
In the UK, a “lorry” is what Americans refer to as a truck, specifically the large vehicles used for transporting goods. An American in the UK might be confused when told a “lorry” is blocking the road, expecting something much smaller.
Flat
In the UK, a “flat” refers to what Americans call an apartment. An American in London might be puzzled when a friend suggests returning to their “flat,” expecting something other than their home.
Lift
In British English, a “lift” is what Americans know as an elevator to transport people and objects between floors in a tall building. This can lead to some funny moments in office buildings or hotels when Americans are told to take the lift.
Holiday
When Brits talk about going on a “holiday,” they mean what Americans call a vacation. An American working in the UK might be initially confused when colleagues discuss holiday plans, thinking they’re referring to public holidays.
Trolley
In the UK, a “trolley” is a cart that you use at the supermarket. In the US, the term often refers to a type of streetcar or tram. This can lead to amusing mix-ups in conversations about grocery shopping.
Biro
In the UK, “Biro” is a common term for a ballpoint pen, named after the inventor László Bíró. In the US, the term is virtually unknown, and people just refer to them as pens. This can lead to some puzzled looks when a Brit asks an American for a Biro.
Bonnet
In British English, the “bonnet” refers to the metal covering over the car’s engine. In the US, this is called the hood, and a bonnet is an old-fashioned type of hat, which can inevitably cause some confusion when discussing car problems.
Trainers
In the UK, “trainers” are what Americans call sneakers or athletic shoes. An American might be confused when a Brit talks about wearing trainers for a casual outing, not realizing they mean sneakers.
Banger
In the UK, a “banger” refers to a type of sausage often enjoyed with mashed potatoes. In the US, the term is slang for a hit song or something that’s excellent. This can lead to some amusing misunderstandings at dinner parties.
Dummy
In the UK, a “dummy” is what Americans call a pacifier, used by babies. In the US, “dummy” can refer to a foolish person or a mannequin. This difference can lead to some humorous situations with new parents.
Garden
In the UK, a “garden” refers to what Americans would call a yard, an area of land around a house. In the US, a garden specifically refers to a place where plants, flowers, or vegetables are grown, leading to some confusion when discussing home layouts.
Petrol
In the UK, “petrol” is the term for what Americans call gasoline. An American in the UK might be momentarily puzzled when asked if they need to stop for petrol, not realizing it means fuel for their car.
Zebra Crossing
In the UK, a “zebra crossing” is a pedestrian crosswalk named for its black and white stripes. The term is unfamiliar in the US, and such crossings are simply called crosswalks. This can lead to some amusing confusion when discussing road safety.
