20 Words Brits and Americans Say Differently

Here are 19 words that are used differently in British English and American English:

Biscuit – In the UK, a biscuit is a sweet, savory snack similar to a cookie. In the US, a biscuit is a type of bread roll.

Chips – In the UK, chips refer to what Americans call « french fries. »

Crisps – In the UK, crisps refer to what Americans call « potato chips. »

Flat – In the UK, a flat refers to an apartment. In the US, it refers to a tire that is not fully inflated.

Lift – In the UK, a lift is what Americans call an « elevator. »

Lorry – In the UK, a lorry is a large truck. In the US, it is referred to as a « semi-truck » or « 18-wheeler. »

Mains – In the UK, mains refers to the main course of a meal. In the US, it refers to the electrical supply.

Nappy – In the UK, a nappy is a diaper. In the US, it is referred to as a « diaper. »

Pavement – In the UK, pavement refers to what Americans call a « sidewalk. »

Petrol – In the UK, petrol refers to gasoline. In the US, it is referred to as « gas. »

Post – In the UK, post refers to mail. In the US, it refers to a job or a task.

Queue – In the UK, a queue refers to a line of people waiting. In the US, it is referred to as a « line. »

Rubber – In the UK, a rubber refers to an eraser. In the US, it is referred to as a « pencil eraser. »

Rubbish – In the UK, rubbish refers to trash. In the US, it is referred to as « garbage. »

Flat – In the UK, a flat refers to an apartment. In the US, it refers to a tire that is not fully inflated.

Sweets – In the UK, sweets refers to candy. In the US, it is referred to as « candy. »

Torch – In the UK, a torch refers to a flashlight. In the US, it is referred to as a « flashlight. »

Trousers – In the UK, trousers refer to what Americans call « pants. »

Tyres – In the UK, tyres refer to what Americans call « tires. »