It is fascinating for children and adults alike to see the differences in word choices between American and British English. When my family was traveling in England, our tour guide would chuckle at our American choice of words. Likewise, we enjoyed hearing her refer to dustbins, lorries, and the boot of the car.

Assembled here is a list of words that refer to the same thing in American and British English. Enjoy!

American term / British term

apartment / flat

baby carriage / pram

backpack / rucksack

bobby pin / hair grip

check (in a restaurant) / bill (in a restaurant)

cookie / biscuit (sweet)

cracker or biscuit / biscuit (unsweetened)

crisps / potato chips

deck (of cards) / pack (of cards)

detour / diversion

diaper / nappy

downtown / centre (city)

dress / frock

elevator / lift

eraser / rubber

faucet / tap

first floor / ground floor

flashlight / torch

football / soccer

French fries / chips

garbage can / dustbin

gas / petrol

grades / marks

vacation / holiday

ice cream / ice

lawyer or attorney / solicitor

leash / lead

line / queue

mail / post

mashed potatoes / mash

mom / mum

parcel / package

penny / pence

pharmacy / chemist’s shop

principal / headmaster

public school / state school

raincoat / mackintosh

realtor / estate agent

restroom / toilet or loo (most common)

run (for public office) / stand (for public office)

sausage (a thicker sausage) / bangers

second floor / first floor

shot (vaccination) / jab

stove / cooker

suspenders / braces

swim suit / bathing costume

take-out or carry-out food / take-away food

tennis shoes or gym shoes / trainers

truck / lorrie

trunk (of a car) / boot (of a car)

underwear / pants

vacuum cleaner / hoover

wash cloth / face flannel

windshield / windscreen

zee (last letter of alphabet) / zed

zucchini / courgette

If you have more words to add to this list, please email me. I'd like to hear from you. And if you've had any funny encounters caused by American/British word choices, let me know!