Americans Vs Brits: 10 English Words With VERY Different Meanings

Americans and Brits share a common language that’s MOSTLY the same…

But the meaning of some words in one country can be VERY different in the other, often

with funny, or even rude, results…

So be careful with these 10 American English words in Britain:

Torch

In the US, the FLAMING sticks people carry to see in the dark are called “torches.”

But in the UK, this word is used for what Americans call a “flashlight.”

To be fair, though, Brits call torches that use fire “torches” as well.

And the American “flashlight” is an “electric torch” in the UK.

Bum

In the US, “bum” is the word for someone who’s lazy, doing nothing or homeless.

American parents will often tell their kids to stop being bums if they spend too much

time on the couch watching TV.

But in the UK, this word is used for what Americans would call a “butt.”

Boot

A “boot” is footwear in the US, but Brits use it to describe what Americans would call

the “trunk” of a car.

Comforter

In the US, a “comforter” is a bedspread for cold nights that’s usually filled with

feathers.

But in the UK, the word describes what Americans would call a baby’s “pacifier.”

Braces

When you have “braces” in the US, you’re trying to straighten your teeth.

But in the UK, you’re holding up your pants with what Americans would call “suspenders.”

Since Brits also use “braces” for teeth, you’ll be more easily understood if you

say that “someone WEARS braces” when talking about “suspenders,” and that “someone

HAS braces” when talking about the braces on teeth.

Biscuit

A biscuit is a kind of bread roll usually served with dinner in the US.

You get these with your chicken at KFC.

But in the UK, a biscuit is what Americans would call a “cookie.”

Pants

Be very careful with this one, as what Americans call “pants” is what Brits mean when they

talk about UNDERWEAR.

American “pants” are British “trousers.”

Pissed

In the US, you’re really ANGRY when you’re “pissed.”

In the UK, you’re “pissed” when you’ve had WAY too much to drink.

Rubber

This is another word to watch out for.

American “rubbers” are condoms.

This is common slang.

But in the UK, this refers to what Americans call an “eraser.”

Chips

In the US, “chips” are thinly sliced, crispy and usually fried pieces of potato.

In the UK, “chips” are what Americans would call “French fries,” or just “fries.”

Just think of an order of fish and chips.

If you want a bag of American “potato chips” in the UK, ask for some “crisps.”

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