There are differences between British and American English – but there are also regional differences in British and American dialects. If you spot something that you think is strange, or if you have an alternative for any of the words, please let us know.
In the list below, the first expression is always British English.
Houses
Washing up liquid = Dish soap
Hoover = Vacuum cleaner
Washing powder = Laundry soap
Clothes peg = Clothes pin
Fridge = Fridge / Refrigerator
Living room / lounge = Living room / Den
Chest of drawers = Bureau
Wardrobe = Closet
Armchair = Easy chair
Larder / pantry = Pantry
Oven = Oven / stove
Clothes and Style
Trousers = Pants (In British English, “pants” are the underwear worn under trousers)
Braces = Suspenders (Be careful: in British English, “suspenders” help keep up stockings)
Tights = Pantyhose
Waistcoat = Vest (Be careful: in British English, “vest” is an undershirt)
a Fringe = Bangs (a hairstyle when your hair falls to just above your eyebrows across the width of your head)
Cars
Mirror = Rear view mirror
Wing mirror = Side mirror
Indicators = Blinkers
Bonnet = Hood
Boot = Trunk
Windscreen = Windshield
Lorry = Truck
Petrol = Gas
Put your foot down = Step on the gas
(To drive fast)
Motor / wheels = Wheels
(Informal expressions for your car)
Out and about
Pavement = Sidewalk
Local area = Neighborhood
Shop = Store
Chemist = Drugstore
Ironmonger = Hardware store
Cinema = Theater
Advertising hoarding = Billboard
Motorway = Freeway
For more differences between American and British English (including grammar and speaking differences) see our page here.