25 British English Words That American English Speakers Don’t Get
British English and American English are vastly different.
That is why our Spoken English classes let you pick the accent you want to practice.
Most ESL students want to learn British or American English.
(There may be a few who are interested in Canadian or Australian English)
If you grew up in Europe the Middle East or the South Asia you may have learned more British English at school as a child.
People who grew up in South America, Russia or some parts of Asia (like Vietnam and Japan), get exposed to more American English speakers as they grow up.
Because we are a global English language school, we cater to both British and American English. At the time students enroll for our online English courses, we ask students to pick an American Accent or a British Accent. Depending on what you pick you will start classes with a native American English teacher or a native British English Teacher.
American English Speakers or British English Speakers – We can help!
Why is it so important to distinguish between British English and American English?
Isn’t it both the same?
This is a question that we get frequently, and the answer is there are some vast differences between the two.
These differences are across all 3 aspects of learning English – Vocabulary, Pronunciation and Grammar.
First of all, we are focusing on Vocabulary and looking at 25 words that are very common in British English but means something completely different in American English.
If you are a trying to improve British English, go through this list and try to recall where you have heard or seen these words used. Don’t memorize these or use flash cards – rather get these words in to your active vocabulary naturally.
Most importantly, try to use these when you have conversations in British English with you English Teacher/Skype Conversation Partner.
Train yourself to practice English often because you will not learn English overnight, or after a few days, or weeks, or even months.
Just like training for a physical activity or sport, you will need to train your brain.
Train your brain to think in English
The most critical aspect of learning English speaking is the development of communicative competence.
Learning grammar and vocabulary can form quite organically through regular communication with native speakers (whether they are American English speakers or British)
Memorizing English grammar, and having a strong vocabulary is not entirely helpful if a student is unable to effectively communicate the ideas they have. This is why we have a 100% immersion method to teaching English.
Repetition is important to anything new you are trying to learn. the English language is no different. A couple minutes at a time, many times a day, just practice.
As you know, and I know, learning a new language is not easy. Remember to talk your way through your day, take your time, and train every day.
Challenge yourself to push through, challenge yourself to speak beyond your own expectations. Use your resources, and be patient.
Postcode
Postcode in British English is the same as Zip code in American English
Maize
Maize in British English is the same as Corn in American English
Boot
Boot in British English is the same as Hood in American English
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Cot
Cot in British English is the same as Crib in American English
Cooker
Cooker in British English is the same as Stove in American English
Holiday
Holiday in British English is the same as Vacation in American English
Motorway
Motorway in British English is the same as Highway in American English
Lorry
Lorry in British English is the same as Truck in American English
Our Free Guide to Learn Spoken English in Weeks
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Trousers
Trousers in British English is the same as Pants in American English
Chips
Chips in British English is the same as French Fries in American English
Lift
Lift in British English is the same as Elevator in American English
Athletics
Athletics in British English is the same as Track in American English
Rubbish
Rubbish in British English is the same as Garbage; Trash in American English
City Center
City Center/Town in British English is the same as Downtown in American English
Tin
Tin in British English is the same as Can in American English
Pavement
Pavement in British English is the same as Sidewalk in American English
Cutlery
Cutlery in British English is the same as Silverware in American English
We have over 3,000 American English Speakers and British English Speakers
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Sweets
Sweets in British English is the same as Candy in American English
Biscuit
Biscuit in British English is the same as Cookie in American English
Garden
Garden in British English is the same as Yard in American English
Gutted
Gutted in British English is the same as Upset in American English
Chemist
Chemist in British English is the same as Drugstore/Pharmacy in American English
Plaster
Plaster in British English is the same as Band aid in American English
Loo
Loo in British English is the same as Restroom in American English
Summary
The best way to improve American English is to practice speaking with American English speakers. The same is true for learning British English or any other type of English like Canadian English.
Remember, a major stumbling block for ESL learners is using the vocabulary they know intellectually in a natural and fluid way.
Most of my students are native speakers of Asian, latin or European languages, which often do have as many synonyms for the same word, struggle to understand the nuances between similar English words.
As a result, Students find it very difficult to remember this when speaking naturally, though they would pass a standardized exam like IELTS or TOEFL easily.
The only way to really attain fluency is to be comfortable using the language, and this comes only through conversational practice.
There always comes a point when the textbook will not help you. This is where conversational practice with American English speakers or British English speakers will make you improve faster than traditional English courses.
