Mr.Maru: This is my friend W.Maru from England.

Sparky: Oh, nice to meet you W.Maru.

W.Maru: The pleasure is all mine. It's good to be on holiday.

Sparky: How was your trip?

W.Maru: It was terrible so far. My car ran out of petrol.

Sparky: Petrol? What is that?

W.Maru: Oh, I mean gas. Anyway, then the lift is broken in your block of flats.

Sparky: I think we live in an apartment building.

W.Maru: Yes, yes, whatever you Americans call it.

Before, we went over some of the differences in American and British pronunciation, but American and British English also uses different vocabulary. What are the differences between American and British English vocabulary? Well, let's talk about some key examples to help you sort out the differences.

American vs. British English – Transportation

There are a few words that are different in American and British English. Here are just a few of the small differences:

British: We waited on the aeroplane for half an hour before taking off.
American: We waited on the airplane for half an hour before taking off.

British: I took the lift up to the 3^rd floor.
American: I took the elevator up to the 3^rd floor.

British: I got a flat tyre. (or puncture)
American: I got a flat.

British: Where is the car park?
American: Where is the parking lot?

British: The nearest underground (or tube) station is two blocks that way.
American: The nearest subway station is two blocks that way.

British: George wasn't looking, and he almost got hit by a lorry.
American: George wasn't looking, and he almost got hit by a truck.

British: Throw your bags in the boot.
American: Throw your bags in the trunk.

American vs. British English – Food

There are also differences in vocabulary with food. For example,

British: Jenny bought some sweets for a snack.
American: Jenny bought some candy for a snack. (Although, The word 'sweets' is also used.)

British: The Bronze Hedgehog (a name of a pub) has the best chips in town.
American: The Bronze Hedgehog has the best french fries in town.

British: There is a big bag of crisps in the cabinet.
American: There is a big bag of potato chips in the cabinet.

British: This recipe needs two aubergines. (Aubergine is the French word.)
American: This recipe needs two eggplants. (The word 'eggplant' comes from the fruit's shape.)

British: Jenny loves fried courgette. (Courgette is the French word.)
American: Jenny loves fried zucchini. (Zucchini is the Italian word.)

In Summary

There are a lot more vocabulary differences with American and British English. In general, most British people will understand American English. However, some Americans might get a little confused when you use British English. In business situations, for example in an advertisement, Americans respond or buy the product less when the writer uses British English.

American English is not 'better' than British English though. They are two different dialects of the same language and are both widely used. When speaking to someone, try to use the same dialect as them so you can be better understood. Using the same dialect also helps you seem closer or friendlier to the person you are talking with.

Do you understand? Let's take a short quiz.

1) British: The ____________ was full. I had to park a block away.

A) parking space

B) car park

C) parking lot

2) American: Boarding the _________ took a long time.

A) aeroplane

B) air plane

C) airplane

3) British: __________ are very healthy and delicious if you cook it right.

A) eggplants

B) zucchinis

C) aubergines

Answers

1) B) – The word 'parking space' is only for one car.

2) C) – The word in American English is 'airplane'. It is one word.

3) C) – In British English, eggplants are called aubergines.

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