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You are here: Home / BAIPA News / British Versus American English, Part 1

British Versus American English, Part 1

March 9, 2020 by Arlene Miller

Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay

It’s all the same language, but it’s different – American versus British English. And the British did have it first. The differences between American and British English are pretty minor, though. An American can understand someone speaking British English – except maybe for the accent!

The differences between American English and British English show up in three ways: 1. Some words are spelled differently. 2. There are a few punctuation and grammar rules that differ. 3. Some words are different between American English and British English, but they mean the same thing. Most words, however, are spelled the same in both British and American English. And most grammar and punctuation rules are the same. And most of the words are the same.

Next week we will concentrate on the minor spelling, grammar, and punctuation differences. But today we will talk about the vocabulary. When a British person talks about putting on trainers, we would put on sneakers. Here are just a few of the words that differ between British and American vocabulary:

British – American

agony aunt  –    advice columnist

anticlockwise  –  counterclockwise

aubergine –   eggplant (not sure if this is just the color or the vegetable)

biscuit  – cookie

bonnet –  hood (of a car)

boot  –  trunk (of a car)

braces –  suspenders

candy floss  – cotton candy (don’t floss your teeth with it!)

chips –  french fries

court card –  face card

crisps –   potato chips

drawing room – living room

film –  movie

flat  – apartment

football –   soccer

fortnight  –  two weeks

hairslide  – barrette

handbag  –  purse or pocketbook

hen night  – bachelorette party

holiday –    vacation

hoover –  vacuum cleaner

ice lolly – Popsicle

jacket potato  – baked potato

jumper – pullover sweater

lift – elevator

loo   –  restroom, bathroom

lorry –  truck

maths  –   math (I have no idea why)

mobile phone  –   cell phone

nappy –    diaper

peckish – hungry

post  –   mail

pram – baby carriage

pushchair  –  baby stroller

queue  –   line

rubber – eraser (please don’t use this one incorrectly!)

underground – subway

zed – zee

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Filed Under: BAIPA News, writing Tagged With: language

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About Arlene Miller

Arlene Miller, also known as The Grammar Diva, is an author, grammarian, teacher, speaker, and blogger. She offers grammar workshops, classes, and entertaining presentations; and writes and publishes grammar books. She also writes the weekly Grammar Diva Blog. The Grammar Diva lives in Wimauma, Florida (formerly Petaluma, CA) with her faithful chihuahua. Her two grown children are her everything -- and she also enjoys coffee, chocolate, reading, and trying to play the piano.

Becky Parker Geist of Pro Audio Voices

Welcome to BAIPA

UPDATE: BAIPA continues to meet via ZOOM ONLY. However, we held a very successful HYBRID meeting on May 6. The board is in discussion about future events like that one, and we will get the word out as soon as decisions are made. Even when we decide to resume regular in-person events, we will continue the Zoom option. We are implementing all the recommended precautionary measures to keep our meetings private and safe for all participants. All members and visitors who register in advance will receive a link to attend via Zoom video conferencing. On the … More

Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. However, members must log in to get a discounted ticket for workshops. 

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    • June 17 Audiobook Results workshop with Becky Parker Geist
       June 17, 2023 - December 31, 2023
       10:00 am - 12:00 am
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    • Melody Ann Owen - podcasters as promotional partners
       October 7, 2023
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    • Roseanne Cheng - Worldwide Translation Rights
       November 4, 2023
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BAIPA Monthly Meetings

IMPORTANT
BAIPA is now meeting on the first Saturday of every month via Zoom only for now. In general, if the first Saturday falls on a holiday or holiday weekend, we will meet on the second Saturday.

We are also having workshops on the third Saturday of every month (also via Zoom only for now. In general, if the regular monthly meeting moves to the second Saturday, then the workshop will be two weeks later.

Future Events

  • May 6th: HYBRID EVENT (In-person in Novato, CA + Zoom, followed by MEMBERS ONLY in-person celebration party) What every author needs to know about Amazon NOW with Ruth Schwartz of Wonderlady Books
  • June 3rd: Becky Parker Geist on the latest trends in audiobooks
  • June 17th: WORKSHOP with Becky Parker Geist on audiobooks
  • July 8th: Patti Thorn of @BlueInk Review shares how to get #book reviews that count to enhance your #book marketing efforts. NOTE: that this is the SECOND SATURDAY of the month.
  • August events TBD
  • September 9th: Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Book Publishers Association on the latest trends in indie publishing.NOTE: that this is the SECOND SATURDAY of the month.
  • October 7th: Melody Owen speaking on how to partner with podcasters to build your following and sell more books.

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