British vs American English: 25 Words That Will Surprise You
Do you speak British English or American English?
If you’re learning English, you’ve probably noticed that people in the UK and the US sometimes use different words for the same thing. It can be confusing — but also fun!
In this blog post, you’ll learn 25 surprising word differences between British and American English. These are real, everyday words. At the end, try the mini quiz to test yourself!
🧠 Why Is There a Difference?
English developed differently in the UK and the US over hundreds of years. Sometimes, Americans kept old British words that are no longer used in the UK. Sometimes, new inventions needed new words — and each country made up its own!
Understanding both versions will help you when watching films, reading books, or travelling.
📋 25 Surprising Differences – UK 🇬🇧 vs US 🇺🇸
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Flat | Apartment |
| Lorry | Truck |
| Biscuit | Cookie |
| Rubbish | Trash / Garbage |
| Holiday | Vacation |
| Sweets | Candy |
| Crisps | Potato chips |
| Chips | French fries |
| Jumper | Sweater |
| Trainers | Sneakers |
| Trousers | Pants |
| Pants | Underwear |
| Postcode | ZIP code |
| Petrol | Gas / Gasoline |
| Car park | Parking lot |
| Roundabout | Traffic circle |
| Dummy (for baby) | Pacifier |
| Tap | Faucet |
| Braces (trousers) | Suspenders |
| Braces (teeth) | Braces (same word!) |
| Torch | Flashlight |
| Rubber | Eraser |
| Nappy | Diaper |
| Bin | Trash can |
| Garden | Yard |
😲 Confusing Examples
- “I left my jumper in the boot!”
(UK: Sweater in the car trunk. US readers might imagine a woolly outfit in a shoe…) - “Do you have a rubber?”
(In the UK, this means an eraser. In the US, it could be very awkward!)
📝 Mini Quiz – Can You Guess the British Word?
- What do British people call cookies?
- What is a car park in American English?
- What do you wear on your feet for sport — trainers or sneakers?
Scroll down for answers!
🎯 Why It’s Useful to Learn Both
Even if you’re focusing on British English, you’ll hear American English in movies, music, and on the internet. Learning both versions will:
- Help you understand more conversations
- Prepare you for travel
- Make your English sound more natural
✅ Quiz Answers
- Biscuits
- Parking lot
- Both are correct – UK says trainers, US says sneakers
💬 Which Do You Use?
Do you use British English or American English, or a mix of both?
Leave a comment and tell us your favourite English word!