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American language
Last Updated: Mar. 19, 2008
There are a myriad of small differences between American English and the English spoken in many other parts of the world.
Simply being aware and open to the idea that occasionally North Americans use different terminology, spelling and words, may make for a less frustrating and more enjoyable trip. Even within the US and Canada (as is the case in places like England, Ireland, Germany, Italy and almost everywhere else in the world) dialects vary from region to region.
Although the table below is far from exhaustive, it will give you an idea about some of the more common words that are interchangeable between the two dialects.
It would be imposable to list all of the differences, but here’s a few to help give you an idea
American language – basic differences
| English | American English |
| Crisps | Chips |
| Biscuit | Cracker/cookie |
| Swiss roll | Danish |
| Chips | French fries |
| White or black coffee | with or without cream |
| Soft drink | Soda |
| Lemonade | 7-up/Sprite |
| With ice | On the rocks |
| Spirits | Liquor |
| Sellotape | Scotch Tape |
| Chemist/Pharmacy | Drug store |
| Motorway | Freeway/interstate |
| Dual carriageway | Divided highway |
| Level crossing | Grade crossing |
| Lay-by | Pull-off |
| Petrol | Gas |
| Bonnet | Hood |
| Boot | Trunk |
| Hire car | Rental car |
| Underground/Tube/Metro/U-Bahn | Subway |
| Footpath | Sidewalk |
| Public phone | Phone booth |
| Reverse charge | Call collect |
| Lift | Elevator |
| Toilet | Bathroom/restroom |
| Mobile/handy phone | Cell phone |
Add a Comment Comments (5)
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haha im an aussie too and am pretty worried about how the americans/aussie wording is different. Especially miles/km’s litres/gallons…
might have to be careful on the “thong” word!!!
Sasha1985
posted on Jul. 08, 2008
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Im an aussie too. When i was 13 i went to the USA for the first time and asked a waitress for a serviette. She replied “what on earth do you want a Russian for?”.
Jamin
posted on Nov. 14, 2007
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Subway can be a regional thing too. In Boston they call it the “T” and in Chicago it’s the L, since it’s elevated.
cdm115
posted on Oct. 19, 2007
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Also with “Liquor” you will hear it called “booze” or “hooch” in some parts of the states. Also make sure you aren’t in a “dry” location. Just east of Flagstaff,Az in the Navajo Reservation is a “dry” location meaning no alochol/liquor can be sold or in your posession though many do. If cought its a federal offence. Some states are also not able to sell liquor on Sundays like Colorado.
MJ
posted on Oct. 18, 2007
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“Soft drink” is widely understood in the US. Usage of “Soda” is also very regionalized. In parts of the US country people prefer to use “Pop”, while in the Southeast it’s not uncommon for “Coke” to be the default term for any soft drink.
We say “lemonade” here too, but we mean actual lemonade, as in ade made from lemons.
David E
posted on Oct. 18, 2007
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