British vs. American English - Vocabulary
Submitted by EnglishMania on
Motorbike or motorcycle? Which one is correct? When it comes to vocabulary, some words are slightly different between American and British.
Whether you are more familiar with British words or American words, it is useful to know both. Here is a list of the most common vocabulary differences between British and American English.
American English British English
| apartment | flat |
| bangs | fringe |
| bathroom | toilet |
| busy | engaged |
| can | tin |
| cell phone (aka cell) | mobile phone (aka mobile) |
| checking account | current account |
| chips | crisps |
| cookies | biscuits |
| cotton candy | candyfloss |
| detergent | washing powder |
| diapers | nappies |
| dishwashing liquid | washing up liquid |
| elevator | lift |
| faucet | tap |
| Ferris wheel | big wheel |
| flashlight | torch |
| free time | spare time |
| French fries | chips |
| garbage | garbage |
| gas | petrol |
| highway | main road |
| jelly | jam |
| movie | film |
| movie theater | cinema |
| oatmeal | porridge |
| panty hose | tights |
| parking lot | car park |
| report card | school report |
| scallion | spring onion |
| sidewalk | pavement |
| skillet | frying-pan |
| sweater | jumper |
| trashcan | dustbin |
| trolley car | tram |
| vacation | holiday |
| yard | garden |
| zip code | postcode |
| zipper | zip |