Americanisms versus Briticisms: Some Differences in Our Common Language

As a Londoner living in New York these past 14 years, I have had to familiarize myself with some of the differences in our common language. There are times when I don't really quite get what people are talking about and vice versa. Many's the time I've been waiting for the elevator and gotten into a conversation with someone, only to confuse them by talking about waiting for the lift instead of waiting for the elevator. I think more and more, Americans are familiar with the British terms that differ from their own, thanks in part to the familiarity of some of these "Briticisms" from movies, TV and other media. So, here for your delight and delectation, are some stand-out examples of the differences between our common language (American terms are listed first).

Different spellings:

Color versus Colour, Check versus Cheque - As in a Bank Check/Cheque, Cue versus Queue - As in waiting on line at the Bank, Center versus Centre, Donut versus Doughnut. - It's a Donut made with dough, therefore Doughnut.
Also in Britain, you'll ask for a 'Jam Doughnut' whereas in America you'll -- ask for a 'Jelly Donut', Humor versus Humour, Mold versus Mould, Mustache versus Moustache and Program versus Programme.

Different words used to describe the same things:

Chips versus Crisps: Aha, this one's always takes some explanation. Chips in Britain relates to the ones served up with traditional Fish and chips which are bulkier than the flimsy French Fry. If I ask 'Do you have some crisps?' I may get the response 'crisp what?'

French Fries versus Chips: To further confuse the 'Chip'/'Crisps' debate America uses 'French Fries' for what in Britain would be called 'Chips'. However Britain does refer to 'French Fries' but usually only for the thin little crispy potato fries served at 'McDonalds', 'Wimpy' etc. For the big chunky real 'Chips' ala the British gift to the world 'Fish & Chips' then we differentiate.

Elevator versus Lift: I'm getting the hang of the elevator now. In Britain we would still call an Office Elevator a Lift. But we would call the moving Stairwells in shopping malls Elevators, whilst America just calls them both Elevators

First Floor versus Ground Floor: Just to confuse people. In Britain the Ground Floor would be the First Floor in the U.S. So for the Brits it's basically a '0'. It's not counted as a floor at all. The First Floor in Britain would therefore be the Second Floor in the U.S. Luckily the Floors are usually numbered otherwise American tourists in Britain's high-rises would be eternally lost.

Condoms versus Rubbers: You could get into a lot of trouble asking for Rubbers at your Office in Britain. Similarly if you ask for Condoms in your Office in the U.S. then you're just being a smart-arse, unless of course you work for 'Trojan'.

Gas versus Petrol: Gas to me implies an invisible gas like Helium, Nitrogen. It just seems plain wrong to call the liquid petroleum we put in our cars Gas. This sounds more like an American Slang. So the British stick to saying Petrol. By the by to all you U.S. motorists out there who complain about the gas/petrol prices, be thankful that you don't live and drive in the U.K. where prices are probably double what they are in the U.S.

Resume versus Curriculum Vitae: When I started looking for work in this country I was constantly asking potential recruiters and agencies if they wanted my 'C.V.' (short for 'Curriculum Vitae'). They in turn would either look at me as if my conjoined head had just fallen off or, if on the phone would just leave an uncomfortable silence hanging in the wind. After numerous attempts at giving people my curriculum vitae I decided to send out my 'Resume' instead. And yes, it does seem weird to be using Latin for something so mundane.

Subway versus Underground: And let's not forget the 'Metro' in Paris, France. How many times have I asked for the Subway only to be pointed to the nearest Sandwich-House?

Tic tac Toe versus Naughts & Crosses: Don't let yourself get into a heated debate with a 6 year old about what this game is called.

Diner versus Café: I think most people would understand what you're looking for with this one.

Here's a few more

Switchblade versus Flick Knife, Truck versus Lorry, Crackers versus Biscuits, Horny versus Randy, Apartment versus Flat, Cookie versus Biscuit, Pants versus Trousers & Sausage versus Banger.

So there you go. Just when you thought you had a grasp of the English language, it all goes to pot when we cross the Atlantic Ocean to visit each other's shores and find we have to re-learn it all over again.