100 Common Differences Between British And American Terms

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British and American English have many differences in terms of vocabulary and usage. Here are some examples:

  • Food and drinks:

In British English, "biscuits" are what Americans call "cookies," "chips" are what Americans call "fries," and "crisps" are what Americans call "potato chips." 
In addition, "soda" is used in American English, while "pop" or "fizzy drink" is more common in British English.

  • Transportation:

In British English, "boot" refers to the trunk of a car, while in American English it is called the "trunk." The front of a car is called the "bonnet" in British English and the "hood" in American English. 
In addition, "motorway" is used in British English, while "highway" is more common in American English.

  • Clothing:

In British English, "jumper" refers to a sweater, while in American English it is called a "sweater." "Pants" in American English are "trousers" in British English, and "underwear" in American English are "pants" in British English.

  • Education:

In British English, "university" is used to refer to higher education, while in American English "college" is more commonly used. 
In addition, in British English "maths" is short for "mathematics," while in American English it is simply called "math."

  • Miscellaneous: 

In British English, "queue" is used to mean "line," while in American English "line" is more common. 
In addition, "holiday" is used in British English to refer to what Americans call "vacation," and "flat" is used in British English to refer to what Americans call an "apartment."

These are just a few examples of the many differences between British and American English in terms of vocabulary and usage. It's important to be aware of these differences when communicating in English, especially in a professional or academic setting, to avoid misunderstandings and confusion.

Here's a table of 100 common differences between British and American English terms:

British EnglishAmerican English
BiscuitCookie
ChipsFries
CrispsPotato chips
LiftElevator
FlatApartment
TorchFlashlight
TrousersPants
PantsUnderwear
PavementSidewalk
Car parkParking lot
RubbishGarbage
SkipDumpster
QueueLine
HolidayVacation
MotorwayHighway
PetrolGas
Bonnet (of a car)Hood
Boot (of a car)Trunk
SweetsCandy
NappyDiaper
JamJelly
JumperSweater
BangerSausage
FootballSoccer
PuddingDessert
TrainersSneakers
TrolleyShopping cart
PostcodeZip code
ChemistPharmacy
MathsMath
TellyTV
LorryTruck
Mobile phoneCell phone
GardenYard
MotorbikeMotorcycle
BillCheck
DraughtsCheckers
Full stopPeriod
TorchFlashlight
AutumnFall
CaravanTrailer
CrumpetEnglish muffin
CupboardCloset
DustbinTrash can
Fizzy drinkSoda
HooverVacuum cleaner
JCBBackhoe
Jelly babiesGummy bears
LooBathroom
MathsMath
Rubbish binTrash can
TapFaucet
AubergineEggplant
Articulated lorrySemi-trailer truck
BapBun
BespokeCustom-made
BiroBallpoint pen
Boot saleGarage sale
Car hireCar rental
Caravan siteTrailer park
Cheese and biscuitsCheese and crackers
ChipsFrench fries
ChuffedPleased
CinemaMovie theater
Clothes pegClothespin
CoachBus
CotCrib
CourgetteZucchini
CrispsChips
Crocodile clipAlligator clip
CuppaCup of tea
Curry houseIndian restaurant
CutlerySilverware
Double creamHeavy cream
Draught excluderDraft stopper
DustmanGarbage collector
Estate agentReal estate agent
Fairy cakeCupcake
Fish fingerFish stick
FlatmateRoommate
Football pitchSoccer field
FortnightTwo weeks
Full stopPeriod
Garden centreNursery
Gear leverGearshift
GherkinPickle
Ginger nutGinger snap
Give wayYield
Good valueA good deal
GreengrocerProduce market
Ground floorFirst floor
High streetMain street
HolidaymakerVacationer
Icing sugarPowdered sugar
Ice lollyPopsicle
JumperPullover
KipperSmoked herring
KnackeredExhausted
Knock upWake up
Lollipop ladyCrossing guard
Lorry driverTruck driver
Lorry parkTruck stop
MathsMath
MinceGround beef
Mobile phoneCell phone
Motorway service stationRest area
MumMom
Noughts and crossesTic-tac-toe
Off-licenceLiquor store
Old-fashioned sweet shopCandy store
On holidayOn vacation
Opposite numberCounterpart
PavlovaMeringue dessert
Pencil sharpenerPencil sharpener
Pint16-ounce beer
PlasterBand-aid
PostMail
PostmanMailman
Public schoolPrivate school
RailwayRailroad
RucksackBackpack
SconeBiscuit
Second-hand shopThrift store
SellotapeScotch tape
Shop assistantSalesperson
ShopfrontStorefront
SkiveSkip school
SolicitorLawyer
SpannerWrench
SpudsPotatoes
SquashCordial
Stag nightBachelor party
StationeryOffice supplies
Stone14 pounds
Street partyBlock party
SweetsCandy
TakeawayTakeout
TapFaucet
TarmacAsphalt
Tea towelDish towel
Tinned foodCanned food
To letFor rent
Top upRefill
TorchFlashlight
TubeSubway
UndergroundSubway
WaistcoatVest
Walking bootsHiking boots
WindscreenWindshield
ZedZee

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many more differences between British and American English in terms of vocabulary and usage. However, these are some of the most common differences that you might encounter when communicating with someone from the other country.
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