American VS British words

American English VS British English: Do you know the difference?

Travel-related words:

Where is the nearest subway station? // Where is the nearest underground station?
Let's grab (=get) a taxi. // Let's grab a cab.
Where is the bathroom/restroom/washroom? // Where is the toilet/loo/lavatory?
At a restaurant: May I have the check, please? // May I have the bill, please?
How was your vacation? // How did your holidays go?

Shopping related words:

May I try on these pants? // May I try on these trousers?
I don't like to line up for food. // I don't like to queue up for food.
You should get that vest. // You should get that waistcoat.
These sneakers aren't the right size. // These trainers aren't the right size.
Can you hold the elevator for a sec. // Can you hold the lift for a sec.

Food related words:

Can you pass me that can of coke? // Can you pass me that tin of coke?
Would you like some cookies? // Would you like some biscuits?
I used to love these candies. // I used to love these sweets.
I love to add ketchup with my fries. // I love to add ketchup with my chips. (In England, there is a famous dish called fish and chips = deep-fried fish with French fries)
Let's get Chinese take-out for dinner. // Let's get Chinese takeaway for dinner.

Take note that there is a difference in spelling of certain words:

What's your favorite color? // What's your favorite colour?
Can you do me a favor, please? // Can you do me a favour, please?
Let's go to the theater to watch Toy Story 4. // Let's go to the theatre to watch Toy Story 4.
I like being center of attention. // I like being centre of attention.
We should analyze the problem. // We should analyse the problem.

↘ Do you know more words that are used differently in America and Britain? Comment below!↙

Recent Posts