Although American English originated from British English, even a casual observer would be able to tell that there is a world of difference between the two dialects today. British English first spread in the West when Britain started to colonize parts of America in the early 1600s. Over the next few centuries, the language gradually evolved to accommodate local differences and influences from other immigrant cultures. Today in the United States, there are several different dialects of American English spoken in various parts of the country, influenced by large localized populations such as Germans inPennsylvania, Norwegians in Minnesota andFrench in New Orleans. The differences in the English language between Britain and America are not only limited to spelling ; grammar , word meanings, intonation and pronunciation also tend to differ. Even now our language is rapidly changing , influenced by technology, music, movies
and other media.
There are many words shared between British and American English that may be spelled and pronounced the same way but with vastly different meanings. In some cases, it is important to be aware of these meanings since they can easily cause offence or confusion if used in the wrong context. For example, when discussing muffins, crumpets and scones , American and English speakers will arrive at very different conclusions. While American muffins are the popular cake-like baked goods, English muffins (which are mistakenly referred to as crumpets) are a small, flat, round bread. On the other hand, English scones are what we call biscuits . And biscuits in England are cookies in America!In a similar manner, the way words are interpreted in different areas can be very different even when it is the same word.
On the other hand, there are several words in each language that are virtually unknown to each other . Think of the termLollipop Man. In the U.S., it might conjure up images of an absolutely delightful person who hands out candy to children. In England, however, a lollipop man is simply a traffic crossing guard, so named for the big red stop sign they carry on a stick, which resembles a lollypop or a candy sucker. Other differences are more local. For example, if someone were to say, “I have two quid,” it would translate to, “I have two dollars.”
Word | British | American |
Mate | Friend, buddy | Spouse, partner |
Dinner | Afternoon meal | Evening meal |
Rubber | Eraser | Condom |
Flat | Apartment | Smooth, even surface or object |
Wireless | Radio | Wireless phone or Internet connection |
Paddle | Bat (for playing sports) | Propel (in swimming or boating) |
Chips | French fries | Thin potato chips sold in bags or tins |
Homely | Cozy, comfortable (usually for describing the interior of a building or room) | Ugly, unattractive (used to describe a person) |
Bum | Slang for buttocks | Homeless person |
Chemist | Pharmacist | Scientist involved in chemistry |
Delinquent youth | Hooded sweater with a pocket in the front | |
Jumper | Sweater | Slang for a person who commits suicide by jumping off a building. |
The following table illustrates several words that are typically not used at all in the other language.
British terms | American equivalent |
Wellingtons or wellies | Rubber rain boots |
Pram (from perambulator) | Baby carriage or pushchair |
Lorry | Truck or long trailer |
Dustbin | Trash can |
Motorway | Highway or freeway |
Term (used in schools) | Semester |
Gaol | Prison |
|
|
American terms | British equivalent |
Eggplant | Aubergine |
Crosswalk (at an intersection) | Zebra crossing |
Diaper | Nappy |
Soda or pop | Soft drink |
Mom & pop store/business | Corner store |
Garbage | Rubbish |
When researching differences between English and American phrases, keep in mind that there are many differences in various parts and dialects of England. In the case of language confusion, most people will normally understand from the other’s accent and tone that although their word usage may have rude or muddled connotations, they may actually be referring to something entirely different. Overall it always helps to brush up on the other culture’s terminology and language differences before travelling. When in doubt, always ask for clarification before coming to potentially wrong conclusions and be careful to avoid offensive words and phrases
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