British vs American English
The two most spoken forms of English and the modern day standards of the language. Like other languages between different dialects some words are not understood in the same context or at all in the other dialect.
American English has simplified the spelling of English especially correcting the spelling of words to look like they sound. The -our at the end of words like colour have been simplifies to color and -ise change to -ize for example recognize.
But one could say that the extensive use of phrasal verbs, which are not really easy for people learning the language to grasp. American English has a tendency to turn nouns in verbs and also create more phrasal verb at the same time.
Below is a table of some differences:
|
British |
American |
| mobile phone | cell phone |
| mate | buddy, bud |
| geezer | dude |
| footpath | sidewalk |
| rubbish | garbage |
| poste restante | general delivery |
| jelly | jello |
| jam | jelly |
| takeout | take away |
| tomato sauce, ketchup | ketchup |
| postcode | zip code |
| lorry | truck |
| petrol | gasoline |
| bottom | fanny |
| fanny | vulva |
| wotsit | doohickey, thingamijig |
| aubergine | eggplant |
| courgette | zucchini |
| pickle | gherkin |
| crisps | chips |
| chips | fries |
| biscuit | cookie |
| coriander | cilantro |
| trousers | pants |
| footpath | sidewalk |
| crisps | chips |
| chips | French fries |
| soft drink | soda |
| film | movie |
| lift | elevator |
| candy | sweets |
| holiday | vacation |
| ground floor | first floor |
