The English language, while shared by both Americans and Brits, often leads to amusing misunderstandings. Both countries have their own local English words, although considering the UK was where English started, this situation can be particularly confusing for Brits. So, here are 18 common Americanisms that leave Brits baffled.
Cookie
Perhaps the most classic and amusing Americanism that confuses Brits is how we use the term “biscuit” to describe what Americans call a “cookie.” This difference often leads to puzzled expressions, especially since British biscuits are more akin to what Americans would consider crackers. As iNews points out, America even has a famous dish called Biscuits and Gravy, which is a terrifying concept for Brits.
Sidewalk
In the UK, what Americans call a “sidewalk” is known as a “pavement.” This term frequently causes Brits to think of concrete or asphalt rather than the safe pedestrian path. Americans, however, find this term logical as it refers to the walkway beside the road. To be fair, we can see their point of view.
Faucet
As a Brit, you probably just use the word “tap” to describe the metal pipe from which you get water in your sink. However, Americans call this the “faucet,” which can be very confusing. It often leaves us picturing something more industrial or specialized, but in reality, they’re exactly the same thing as a tap.
Trash Can
Anyone from the UK who watches American TV will know that they use “trash can” to describe a bin, which feels almost cartoonish and overly descriptive. The word “trash” itself is very commonly used in the States instead of what we would call “rubbish.” Things get even more confusing when you introduce the American term “garbage,” too.
Vacation
Americans “go on vacation,” whereas Brits “go on holiday.” The American term might evoke thoughts of relaxation but doesn’t quite capture the full breadth of what Brits consider a holiday, which can include shorter periods, including just a day off work, a weekend break, or an extended overseas trip.
Eraser
In the UK, an American “eraser” is called a “rubber,” which can lead to humorous misunderstandings. This is because “rubber” often refers to a condom in American English, which will always be a source of laughter between American and British college students.
Sneakers
Brits never use the American term “sneakers”; instead, they call them “trainers.” The term “sneakers” can sound quaint or even mysterious, as if referring to stealth rather than footwear. However, this Americanism simply reflects the same casual, sporty “trainers” that we wear here in the UK.
Overpass
Another common Americanism that leaves Brits confused is “flyover,” which, in the U.S., means the same as our “overpass.” This difference in terms of terminology can puzzle Brits, who might envision something more akin to an airplane maneuver, but unfortunately, the reality is far more mundane.
Gas Station
Americans call petrol “gas,” regardless of whether it’s unleaded or diesel, and as a result, they don’t say “petrol station” like us Brits. Instead, they use “gas station.” To be fair to them, back in the old days, petrol was actually applied as a gas rather than a liquid, and “gas” is also short for gasoline, so it makes a lot of sense.
Fall
The season known as “autumn” in the UK is called “fall” in the US, an old American term that derives from the phrase “fall of the leaf.” Brits find this Americanism rather charming, although it does sound a bit old-fashioned. However, “Autumn” definitely feels more formal and has a Latin root, so we’re clearly pretty old-fashioned, too.
Diaper
In the United Kingdom, a “diaper” is called a “nappy,” which can often be confusing to English-speaking parents. To be fair, most Brits grew up with American TV, so they’ve heard about diapers. Meanwhile, “nappy” is generally unheard of to Americans, and ultimately, it sounds more like a cute name for a nap than a diaper.
Cell Phone
Brits refer to “cell phones,” as Americans call them, as “mobile phones” or simply “mobiles” or “smartphones.” This Americanism points to the cellular technology behind the device, but ultimately, it never caught on over in the UK.
Band-Aid
English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh people all call adhesive bandages “plasters,” which is strange considering that plaster is a common form of construction material. Meanwhile, in the U.S., they call the same item a “Band-Aid,” a brand name turned generic due to its popularity.
Zucchini
Another common Americanism that leaves Brits scratching their heads is “Zucchini.” Brits know it’s a vegetable due to the context it’s raised in, but many don’t realize it’s just the name for what we call “courgette.” The American term “zucchini” is borrowed from Italian, whereas courgette is derived from French. Perhaps in the future, both nations will agree on a proper English term.
Eggplant
Another confusing vegetable Americanism is how “aubergine” in the UK is known as “eggplant” in the States. The American term is direct, describing the vegetable’s shape and size, whereas “aubergine” once again hails from French. However, this British term undeniably adds a touch of sophistication to the purple vegetable, so we prefer it.
Apartment
Moving away from vegetables, Brits typically use the term “flat” instead of “apartment.” The American word can evoke images of high-rise buildings and urban living, while “flat” feels cozier and more homely. Both terms, however, refer to a self-contained housing unit within a larger building.
Check
In the UK, an American payment “check” is known as a “cheque,” although they’re both pronounced the same. However, this spelling difference can cause Brits to double-take when reading American financial documents. More importantly, it’s super confusing to Americans, who may think a Brit is checking on something rather than actually paying a check.
Candy
Perhaps the most common Americanism on this list, second only to the biscuit vs. cookie conundrum, is how Americans call our “sweets” “candies.” There is a slight difference, as candy encompasses a wide variety of sugary treats, while “sweets” in the UK is a more generalized term. Regardless, both nations share a love for these confections despite the terminology differences.