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Given the number of places around the world that English is spoken, differences are bound to emerge. Despite how much the USA and UK have in common, there are enough differences between their two versions of the English language that someone may not always understand exactly what someone from the other country is saying. Not only are there 160 distinct dialects of the English language, but there's also different spelling and even words, used to describe one or other thing. Fortunately, the US State Department has created a series of these useful graphics to help clear things up between the British English Vs. American English usage.

Did you know, that the difference between spelling words like American color and British colour, or humor and humour, comes from the Brits adopting, their now called British words, from Old French language? When it came to America later, the spelling was simplified. And so is with many other American English and British English differences, as the adaptation of grammar took its part.

The US and the UK's imperial histories and modern influence over the world have changed the English wording forever. Because it was exported to countries all over the world, it has been forced to accept different variations of the same language, the most known one to be the British Vs. American.

Even if you're a native speaker of UK or US English, there's a good chance you'll learn something new here. Check the brilliant graphs about British Vs. American English language differences below.

More info: americanenglish.state.gov (h/t: designyoutrust, demilked)

#1

British Vs American Words For Clothing

British Vs American Words For Clothing

americanenglish.state.gov Report

CharlesFranks
Community Member
10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK we also call jumpers sweaters and have done for years

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    #2

    British Vs American Words For Food

    British Vs American Words For Food

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    CharlesFranks
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We too have french fries (what you get in McDonalds) chips are different. We also use peckish and hungry they indicate a degree in our state of hunger.

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    #3

    British Vs American Spelling

    British Vs American Spelling

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    DianaChapman
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought gray was the other way around.

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    #4

    British Vs American Words For Vegetables

    British Vs American Words For Vegetables

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    CharlesFranks
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the UK jacket and baked potato are interchangeable terms

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    #5

    British Vs American Words For Housing

    British Vs American Words For Housing

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    PeterKerngast
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Labeling of floors in elevators in both the US and UK is a permanent cause of confusion for continental ppl lol

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    #6

    British Vs American

    British Vs American

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    AndreaK
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charles Franks is obviously an English language scholar. Please consult him before writing these articles

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    #7

    British Vs American Words For Car Parts

    British Vs American Words For Car Parts

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    ShannaDaSilva
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In South Africa we call "indicators" Christmas lights because most people only use them once a bloody year.

    Alexandra Johanning
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's hilarious, in the US people get mad at you if you don't use them!

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    LauraRudgers
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boots and bonnets are clothing items in the USA!

    Suzanne Haigh
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also in Britain although bonnet is an old fashioned word

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    Joey Sanchez
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    windscreen and windshield are used in both places

    Reginald McGriff
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder where voyeurism comes from? Rhetorically I reckon knowing we brave in Texas but not blatant exhibitionists😂

    ItzhakSolomon
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've heard "blinker" as Winker too !

    ElisabethStrømdahl
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In norway we call it blinklys which directly translated means blinking light

    IsabelleHerbert
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No matter how long I live here in the USA (18 years so far) an indicator will ALWAYS be an indicator. And I have to forrce myself to say windshield. Even boot and bonnet slip out occasionally in moments of stress. Funny, but words pertaining to cars definitely seem among the hardest to re-learn.

    someone not so special
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know a thing about cars, so.. Wtf..?!!

    Leqi Wang
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find it easier to call it the front and back of the car

    PaisleyThermondZarafonetis
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the U.S. indicator light refers to a light, usually on a small appliance like an iron or an electric kettle, that indicates the appliance is either on or has reached optimal heat.

    LauraRudgers
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In America most people call the turn signals blinkers. Many people call them turn signals, because to call them blinkers sounds like you are a redneck ( i.e., generally under-educated)

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    RochelleFrederick
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so conflicted because we say hood and trunk in the VI, but also bonnet. And it's DEFINITELY indicator. And as a Jamaican my mom still spells it tyre lol #caribbeanproblems

    VirgilWilliams
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you look at a US auto users manual, you'll find turn signals called "directional signals." Many people just all them signals, too.

    Epicdragontamer
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha !!! I was reading a book and I think it was British cause it spelled tire "tyre" and I was what the heck and was confused !!!

    Epicdragontamer
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not any more ( I wrote in two different speech thing cause it won't let me write no more than that)

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    Liam McIntosh
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We used windshield or at least I do.

    LauraRudgers
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Windscreen must come from the early days of automobiles. No car has a screen, but the glass is a shield - so as an American, this just makes better sense to me...

    ReginaBellamy
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We also call it an indicator as well.

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    #8

    British English Vs American English

    British English Vs American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    MalcolmeCollins
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my sister in laws had a period of schooling in the states and had the class in fits of laughter when she asked for a rubber to rectify a mistake she had made not realising that a rubber was slang for a condom. Very red faced.

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    #9

    British English Vs American English

    British English Vs American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    IsabelleHerbert
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Autumn is widely used in the US. Basically holiday means a public holiday (what would be called a bank holiday in the UK) whereas vacation is your time off work. Actually that seems pretty reasonable.

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    #10

    British English Vs American English

    British English Vs American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    KristenHamilton
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Estate wagon sounds so much better. Would probably sell better too. You can't call a '78 Oldsmobile station wagon a 'sports wagon'...estate wagon would totally work tho

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    #11

    British Vs American Spelling

    British Vs American Spelling

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    CharlesFranks
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A parlour is a nice room in your house for special guests (bit old fashioned), you generally don't by ice cream there.

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    #13

    British Vs American Words For Sweets

    British Vs American Words For Sweets

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    SandraLeslie
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sweets/candy in Australia = lollies, candy floss= fairy floss, ice lolly = icy pole,

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    #14

    British & American English

    British & American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    KathyLaPan
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use many of these terms and I've never been to England.

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    #15

    British & American English Spelling

    British & American English Spelling

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    #16

    British Vs American

    British Vs American

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    KristenHamilton
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the U.S. we use the word pitch in soccer, field in football.

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    #17

    British English Vs American English

    British English Vs American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    FaithFielder
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The southern U.S. version of dish towel is "cup towel," even though you dry other dishes with it. And if we are betraying our roots, we say "dishrag" or "washrag" instead of dish cloth. I have to be really cautious to say the fancier one.

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    #18

    British Vs American Spelling

    British Vs American Spelling

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    #19

    British Vs American

    British Vs American

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    guess
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always tried to spell mustache as moustache because it looked right to me, but autocorrect says it's incorrect! I guess I wasn't wrong, I was just a little British :D

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    #20

    British Vs American Differences

    British Vs American Differences

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    DianaCrunChewyWatson
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Zebra crossing sounds like it would be way cooler than it actually is.

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    #21

    British Vs American Names

    British Vs American Names

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

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    #22

    British English Vs American English

    British English Vs American English

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    MonicaRamos
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So basically S's become Z's and we drop the U's

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    #23

    British Vs American

    British Vs American

    americanenglish.state.gov Report

    DanielleIllich
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Diversion was a nightmare when I first moved to England! We were lost for 2 hours because the highway just closed and we had to exit! We had no clue what to do. Finally we saw a tiny sign that said diversion. We followed it and made it home!

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    #24

    British Vs American

    British Vs American

    americanenglish.state.gov Report