While Britain and the US may have historically shared a ‘special relationship’, it doesn’t mean they’re actually talking the same language.
Anyone who has jumped across the pond to visit their transatlantic cousins will have noticed that the two nations are prone to getting their wires crossed.
From confusion over pants and trousers to the very different uses of the word rubber, a handy infographic has outlined 63 of the main differences between British and American English nouns.
Whether you’re taking a vacation in the US or holiday in Britain you’re likely to encounter different terms to describe everything from food to clothing, as highlighted by an infographic from Grammar Check.
Some differences, such as British football being called soccer in the US, are well known to sports fans, but tourists ordering food need to be vigilant if they don’t want any dining surprises.
The name of potato-based items seems to be one of the most baffling differences. Chips in the US are crisps in the UK and chips in the UK are fries in the States.
The names of sweet snacks are also lost in translation with biscuits and sweets in Britain known as cookies and candy, respectively, in America.
You’ll also need to be careful if you’re visiting anywhere with a strict dress code.
A Brit told to come in pants and a vest would arrive in a state of undress compared to their formally attired American friends sporting waistcoats and trousers.
Similarly if a Brit were told there is only enough hand luggage space for a purse they might be left wondering what to do with the rest of their handbag.
Legal matters could cause confusion, too.
For any case where you would hire an attorney in America you’ll need to look up a barrister in Britain.
Meanwhile, if you’re American and your hire car breaks down while you’re visiting the UK and a mechanic asks you to pop the bonnet, you may be left scratching your head.
The bonnet in Britain is the hood in America, while the boot in Britain is the trunk in the States.
Source: Daily Mail
