British vs American English

Words that mean different things when said by American and British speakers

Here are some words that can confuse either party, although generally, both sides are aware of the differences, just takes us a little time to click what the context is.

(I am British and therefore it’s possible that some of the items listed might have more meanings in the US)

Chips:

UK = thick cut, cooked potato, (like French fries but thicker), eaten hot.

US = thinly sliced, cooked potato that’s eaten cold from a packet of specific brands, such as, Lay’s/Walker’s and are common in a variety of flavours, Cheese & Onion, Ready Salted, Smokey Bacon, etc.

Trunk:

UK = a fairly large wooden/metal box, OR, the long nose of an elephant that can squirt water.

US = the rear of a car where you can carry things like shopping or a spare wheel, OR, the long nose of an elephant that can squirt water.

Boot:

UK = the rear of a car where you can carry things like shopping or a spare wheel, OR a type of footwear, (a shoe that sits high on the ankle or leg).

US = a type of footwear that is worn high on the ankle or leg.

Bonnet:

UK = the part of a car that covers the engine, OR a style of periodic hat usually worn by women, (nowadays, there is a men’s version).

US = possibly this is recognised as the previously mentioned hat, but I’m not 100% certain of this, so maybe an American can comment on this).

Hood:

UK = (clothing), if a coat or jumper has an extension that covers the head, we call this a hood.

US = the part of a car that covers the engine, OR, (clothing), if a coat or jumper has an extension that covers the head, we call this a hood.

Pants:

UK = (clothing), a generic word for underwear worn around the midsection of the anatomy, (both men's and women's).

US = (clothing), the clothing that is worn on the lower part of the body that covers the waist and legs, each leg has a separate cover.

Trousers:

UK = (clothing), the clothing that is worn on the lower part of the body that covers the waist and legs, each leg has a separate cover.

US = the same use in some regions of the US, (clothing), the clothing that is worn on the lower part of the body that covers the waist and legs, each leg has a separate cover.