15 Items That Are Called Differently in the UK and US

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15 Items That Are Called Differently in the UK and US

Traveling between the UK and the US, you might find yourself momentarily confused during everyday conversations. It’s not just the accents that differ but also the everyday vocabulary.

From asking directions to shopping, the English language takes a slight twist across the Atlantic. Here’s a fun guide to some common items that go by different names in the UK and the US. Knowing these differences can make your travels or interactions smoother, and it’s also a fascinating peek into how language adapitates uniquely in different cultures.

1. Elevator (UK: Lift)

In the US, if you need to move between floors in a building, you would look for the elevator. However, in the UK, you would need to look for the ‘lift.’ While both serve the same purpose, the naming is different. This distinction is quite simple but can be crucial in avoiding confusion when you are navigating large buildings like hotels or shopping centers. Next time you’re in Britain and someone suggests taking the lift, you’ll know they mean the elevator.

2. Trash can (UK: Bin)

While Americans dispose of their waste in a ‘trash can,’ the British use the term ‘bin.’ You’ll hear phrases like “rubbish bin” or simply “bin” when in the UK. The concept remains the same, and you’ll often find that the British term is used more generally for both indoor and outdoor waste containers. So, if someone in the UK asks you to toss something in the bin, they’re talking about the trash can.

3. Flashlight (UK: Torch)

In a dark room or during a nighttime adventure, Americans reach for a ‘flashlight,’ but Brits will be looking for a ‘torch.’ Despite the medieval imagery that the word ‘torch’ might conjure, it refers simply to the handheld light device. This is one of those terms that can be quite confusing for an American visiting the UK or vice versa, but remembering this small difference can be quite handy.

4. Cookie (UK: Biscuit)

This can be a tricky one for those with a sweet tooth. In the US, sweet, flat baked treats are called ‘cookies,’ but in the UK, they are generally referred to as ‘biscuits.’ To add to the confusion, in the US, ‘biscuits’ are a soft bread, usually served with gravy. It’s good to know this before you order a ‘biscuit’ in a British cafe and expect something entirely different!

5. Diaper (UK: Nappy)

For those traveling with infants, this vocabulary difference is a useful one to remember. Americans use the term ‘diaper’ while the British term is ‘nappy.’ Both refer to the absorbent garment worn by babies. Knowing the correct term will certainly make shopping easier when needing to restock on baby supplies.

6. Apartment (UK: Flat)

If you are looking for a place to stay or discussing housing in the UK, you might get a few confused looks if you mention an ‘apartment.’ In the UK, the term used is ‘flat.’ Although both words describe a set of rooms for living in, typically on one floor of a building, ‘flat’ is the preferred term across the British Isles.

7. Soccer (UK: Football)

Perhaps one of the most famous differences in terminology, what is known as ‘soccer’ in the US is called ‘football’ in the UK. In Britain, ‘football’ refers to the sport known in the US as soccer, and it’s a national passion. Be careful with this one, as ‘football’ in the US refers to an entirely different sport.

8. Sweater (UK: Jumper)

When the weather gets chilly, Americans might pull on a ‘sweater.’ Over in the UK, the same garment is called a ‘jumper.’ It’s the exact same item of clothing, just a different term. So if you’re shopping in the UK and need something to keep you warm, look for a jumper.

9. Trunk (UK: Boot of a car)

If you’re renting a car or taking a taxi and need to store your luggage, knowing this difference is key. Americans will put their bags in the ‘trunk,’ but in the UK, you should ask to use the ‘boot.’ Both terms refer to the vehicle’s storage space at the back.

10. Gasoline (UK: Petrol)

If you’re driving in the UK, you won’t see signs for ‘gasoline;’ instead, look for ‘petrol.’ It’s the same fuel that powers most combustion engine cars. Asking for a gas station might get you directions to a place where you can buy natural gas, so it’s petrol station in Britain.

11. Candy (UK: Sweets)

Have a sweet tooth while traveling? In the US, you’d look for ‘candy.’ In the UK, the same sugary treats are called ‘sweets.’ Whether it’s chocolates, candies, or gummies, knowing this word might help you navigate a menu or a grocery store much easier.

12. Fries (UK: Chips)

Ordering food can sometimes lead to surprises if you’re not aware of the terminology differences. What Americans call ‘fries,’ the British call ‘chips.’ And to make things more confusing, ‘chips’ in the US are what Brits would call ‘crisps.’

13. Vacation (UK: Holiday)

If you’re talking about taking some time off work in the US, you’d say you’re going on ‘vacation.’ In the UK, it’s typically called a ‘holiday.’ Both terms refer to a period of leisure and recreation away from work, but ‘holiday’ in the US usually refers to specific public or religious days.

14. Sidewalk (UK: Pavement)

When walking beside the road, Americans walk on the ‘sidewalk’ while Brits walk on the ‘pavement.’ Both terms describe the pedestrian path flanking the street. It’s a simple difference but knowing it can help in giving or receiving directions.

15. Cell phone (UK: Mobile phone)

Last but not least, the device you likely carry with you at all times. Americans refer to it as a ‘cell phone,’ but in the UK, it’s called a ‘mobile phone’ or simply ‘mobile.’ Whether you need to buy a new phone or a SIM card, asking for a mobile in the UK will get you what you need.

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