Lesser-known differences between British and American English

Heath Pulliam
A group of friends sat outside smiling and talking
Reading time: 5 minutes

Heath Pulliam is an independent education writer with a focus on the language learning space. He’s taught English in South Korea and various subjects in the United States to a variety of ages. He’s also a language learning enthusiast and studies Spanish in his free time.

British and American English are two well-known varieties of the English language. While the accent is often the first difference people notice, there are also subtle distinctions in vocabulary, grammar and even style. Many know about how Brits say boot and lift, while Americans would say trunk and elevator, but what about a few lesser-known differences?

Here, we take a look at a few of the more obscure differences between British English (BrE) and American English (AmE).

Note: British English is underlined and American English isÌýitalicized.

1.ÌýFootballerÌýandÌýfootball player

Along with the well-known difference of how in the U.S., football refers to American football, while football in Britain is what Americans like me call soccer, Americans also use player after the sport to denote someone who plays the sport. In British English, the sport with an added -er suffix is more common, like footballer and cricketer, not football player or cricket player.

This is not universal, though. For some sports, the -er suffix is used in both dialects. Both Brits and Americans use the term golfer, not golf player. There are also sports where the -er suffix is never used, like for tennis, cycling and gymnastics. Nobody says tenniser, tennis player is used instead.

People who cycle are cyclists and people who do gymnastics are gymnasts. Sometimes, badminton players are even called badmintonists. Overall, there aren’t really any concrete rules for what to call each player of a sport. Each sport has its own way of calling someone who participates in that sport.

2.ÌýI ³¦´Ç³Ü±ô»å²Ô’t care lessÌýandÌýI could care less

The American version (I could care less) means the same thing. Although technically incorrect, it is still widely used in North America as an idiom and will be interpreted as not caring at all about something. Although popular, both variations can be heard in North America. Regardless, miscommunications do happen surrounding this phrase.

“I could care less about who Harry Styles is dating right now.â€

“Oh, I didn’t know you were interested in tabloid news.â€

“I’m not! I just said I didn’t care about it.â€

“No, you said that you could care less, meaning that it is possible for you to care less about who he’s dating.â€

“Ugh! What I mean is that I ³¦´Ç³Ü±ô»å²Ô’t care less. Happy?â€

3. American simplification

Both British and American dialects are filled with many minuscule differences in spelling and phrasing. For example, the words plough (BrE) and plow (AmE) mean the same thing, but are spelled differently.

When two words differ, American English generally favors the simpler, more phonetic spelling. Hey, there’s another one! Favour (BrE) and favor (AmE). It’s apparent in pairs like analyse (BrE) and analyze (AmE), and neighbour (BrE) and neighbor (AmE).

Many of these small spelling differences can be attributed to Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary, who sought to distinguish American from British English by simplifying many of the words.

Some of his simplifications to American English are swapping the s for z, (specialised to specialized), dropping the u in words ending in our, (colour to color), and changing words ending in -tre to -ter (theatre to theater).

4. Courgette and zucchini

The history of this vegetable, whatever you may call it, tells us why zucchini is used in American English and courgette is used in British English. If you’ve studied languages, you can probably guess what country each name originated from. England was introduced to this cylinder-shaped vegetable in the 19th century by its French neighbors, while Americans were introduced to it in the early 20th century by the large influx of Italian immigrants.

The word zucchini is something of a mistranslation from Italian, however. What Americans use (zucchini) is the plural masculine form of the proper Italian word, (zucchino).

5.ÌýAnticlockwiseÌýand counterclockwise

These terms mean the same thing, the rotation against the way a clock runs. In British English, this movement would be called anticlockwise, and in the U.S., they use counterclockwise.ÌýThe prefixesÌýanti- andÌýcounter- mean similar things.ÌýAnti- means against, andÌýcounter- means contrary or opposite to.

You should use antibacterial soap in order to stop the spread of germs.ÌýBuying cheap clothes that only last you a few months is counterproductive in the long term.

Can you guess how they described this movement before the invention of clocks with hands and circular faces? English speakers this long ago used sunwise. This direction at the time was considered auspicious and the opposite of the other direction.

6.ÌýHaveÌýand take

Have and take are used often before nouns like shower, break, bath, rest and nap.ÌýIn the U.S., peopleÌýtakeÌýshowers andÌýtakeÌýnaps, while in the U.K., peopleÌýhaveÌýshowers andÌýhaveÌýnaps. Another example of this is how AmericansÌýtakeÌýa swim and BritsÌýhaveÌýa swim. These are called delexical verbs and we use them all the time in English, both British and American.

Although often different, both groups of English speakers have arguments, make decisions and take breaks.

7.ÌýQuite

This word is spelled the same in both American and British English, but means something different. In the U.S.,ÌýquiteÌýis typically used as an intensifier, like the wordÌývery.ÌýIn the U.K., it’s normally used as a mitigator, like the wordÌýsomewhat.

It can also mean completely if it modifies certain adjectives. (e.g., It’s quite impossible to learn a language in one month.)

American English: That Mexican food we had yesterday was quite spicy.

Translation: That Mexican food we had yesterday was very spicy.

In British English, quite means something more on the lines of kind of, or a bit.

British English: Thank you for the meal, it was quite good.

Translation: Thank you for the meal, it was somewhat good.

8. Clothing differences

The category of clothes is one of the richest, with differences between the two English variants.ÌýHow about those pants that people used to only wear at the gym and around the house, but now wear them everywhere?

Brits call themÌýtracksuit bottomsÌýand Americans call themÌýsweatpants. What about a lightweight jacket that protects from wind and rain?ÌýBrits might call this anÌýanorakÌý(derived from the Greenlandic word), but Americans would call it aÌýwindbreaker. Both variants also useÌýraincoatÌýfor this article of clothing.

9.ÌýTorchÌýandÌýflashlight

As an American, I’ve been confused before when coming across the word torch while reading the work of an English author.

To Americans, a torch is a piece of wood with the end lit on fire for light.ÌýWhat Brits are referring to when they use the wordÌýtorchÌýis aÌýflashlight (AmE), a small, battery-run electric lamp.

10.Ìý±·±ð±ð»å²Ô’t and don’t need to

Ah, the English contraction. Many English learners don’t particularly love learning these, but they are an essential and everyday part of the language. ±·±ð±ð»å²Ô’t, however, is one that I don’t think I’ve ever heard another American say.

In the U.K., this contraction is fairly common. ±·±ð±ð»å²Ô’t, when separated, becomes need not.

British English: “You needn’t come until Tuesday night.â€

Americans would say the relatively simpler don’t need to.

American English: “You don’t need to come until Tuesday night.â€

Don’t be fooled into thinking British English has necessarily more difficult contractions than the U.S., though. Just come to the American South and prepare to hear famous (or infamous) contractions like y’all (you all) and ain’t (am not, is not, are not)!

Conclusion

There are hundreds of differences between British and American dialects, we’re only scratching the surface here.ÌýSome of these make more sense than others, but luckily, both Brits and Americans can usually understand the meaning of any English word through context.

Some people would even say that Brits speak English while Americans speak American.ÌýAlthough each dialect from across the pond seems very different, they have far more similarities than differences.

Read our posts 'Understanding dialects in the English language' and 'What are the most spoken languages in the world?'

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A man smiling and high fiving another person

    Ways to express admiration in English

    By

    Reading time: 4 minutes

    February is commonly associated with Valentine's Day, which is a day to express love and affection to your significant other. However, it's also important to express admiration for others in a platonic, non-romantic way.

    Language serves as the gateway to genuine communication, and one of the most delightful methods of connection is through expressions of admiration. As you practice and immerse yourself in the depths of the English language, you'll likely want to learn ways to convey heartfelt praise, elevating your ability to articulate and forge meaningful connections.

    In today's post, we explore a range of examples to enhance your language proficiency and elevate your conversational English.

    What is the definition of admiration?

    Originating from the Latin word admirari (meaning 'to wonder at'), admiration is the act of expressing sincere approval or deep appreciation towards someone or something, typically as a heartfelt form of praise or recognition for their achievements, qualities, or contributions. It is a sentiment that stems from feeling a genuine admiration for the impact and inspiration someone or something brings to our lives.

    Admiration is an emotion everyone can relate to, and the English language offers a beautiful range of words and expressions to convey it in the most subtle and nuanced ways.

    Whether you're dealing with a complex business transaction or simply enjoying a personal moment of connection, the richness of your words can reflect the depth of your feelings and make them even more meaningful.

    Examples of English compliments

    Let's look at some English phrases you can use to express admiration. There are different types for varying situations and people.

    Straightforward compliments

    To truly convey admiration in English, it's crucial to practice and become familiar with positive affirmations. The following phrases not only highlight the specific reason for your awe but also reflect a deeper, personal connection:

    • Your hard work is truly inspiring.
    • I'm in awe of your creativity.
    • You have an uncanny ability to make things happen.
    • Your perseverance is admirable.
    • Your kindness never goes unnoticed.

    Each of these phrases praises the character traits of the person you are addressing. They showcase attention to detail, appreciation for special skills, and the more intangible qualities, such as character and kindness, that are just as noteworthy.

    Tailored and specific accolades

    A compliment can carry more weight when it is clearly tailored to the individual. Phrases that are specific to a person's achievements and skills add a layer of thoughtfulness that is hard to ignore. Consider these examples of more personalized compliments:

    • The way you handled that difficult situation was masterful.
    • Your presentation was not only informative but also deeply insightful.
    • Your dedication to this project is truly top-notch.
    • I love how you always find a unique perspective.
    • Your attention to detail really sets you apart.

    These phrases go beyond generic niceties and serve to validate specific moments or attributes that set the person apart in a distinctive way.

    Building rapport with positive language

    Admiration doesn't always have to be solely based on achievements or success; it can also be directed toward someone's personality and interests.

    Sometimes, an outward expression of approval, high praise or agreement can forge a sense of commonality and mutual respect. Here are phrases that can help you beam with appreciation:

    • Your choice in music is impeccable.
    • I absolutely adore your sense of style.
    • The way you talk about your family is truly heartwarming.
    • Your passion for this topic is evident and contagious.
    • Your love of life is refreshing and infectious.

    Using these statements, you can create a warm and complimentary atmosphere, helping foster positive connections with others.

    Affectionate expressions for familiar friends

    When it comes to speaking (or writing) to someone you're close with, phrases of praise and admiration can touch on personal attributes and speak of shared experiences, creating an even stronger bond. These expressions should carry the warmth and familiarity that come with a close relationship:

    • Your sense of humor always lifts my spirits.
    • The wisdom you've shared has shaped and helped my own life so much.
    • You approach life's challenges with such grace; it's a privilege to know you.
    • The comfort and joy you bring as a friend cannot be overstated.
    • Your insights always provide a refreshing new angle, revealing things I had not thought about.

    These phrases are centered on intimate understanding and personal connections, deeply resonating with a shared history and mutual appreciation. They carry a more emotive meaning and weight, often used to reinforce the closeness and appreciation that develops through years of friendship or kinship. Therefore, you should use them with care and thought.

    The appropriateness of compliments

    The art of complimenting is nuanced; learning and gauging the appropriateness of a compliment is essential. Certain contexts or relationships might warrant a more conservative or formal approach. Professional settings, for example, often require focusing on achievements and abilities as opposed to personal compliments, which may be mistaken for overfamiliarity or unprofessional behavior.

    Consider culture and personal preferences

    Similarly, cultural sensitivities must be considered; a warm expression of admiration in one culture may be perceived as too forward or personal in another.

    Always ensure that compliments and praises are given in a manner that resonates with respect for the individual's privacy and comfort levels. By being mindful of your surroundings and the nature of your relationship with the person, your words of praise and admiration can be both fitting and heartfelt.

    Play it safe

    Usually, a good overall rule of thumb is the less you know someone, the less personal your compliments should be; if you're unsure, play it safe, or don't use one until you've gauged the situation appropriately.

    A note on delivery

    While these expressions are powerful in their own right, the delivery is key to ensuring the recipient truly feels your admiration. Context, tone of voice, and body language play a significant role in how your words are received. Be genuine, and let your admiration flow naturally. Avoid overuse of flattery, which can come across as insincere.

    Conclusion

    Whether you're networking, meeting with friends/loved ones, or simply conversing with a colleague, mastering the use of admiration and praise in the English language can open doors to deeper relationships and shared connections.

    Integrating these phrases into your lexicon can not only make your expressions more vibrant but can also help you cultivate a spirit of positivity, confidence and appreciation in your daily interactions. So make sure to incorporate examples like these into your own vocabulary; you never know whose day you might make with your compliments.

  • Children stood around a whiteboard, one is writing on the whiteboard smiling

    Ink's vital role in education: How colors influence student participation

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages

    Reading time: 7 minutes

    In this age where screens often dominate our field of vision, the humble ink pen might seem like a relic. Yet, intriguing research is bringing to light the unsung importance of ink in educational settings, particularly in enhancing student engagement and learning.

    Today, we look at the importance of handwriting and ink, and how it still plays a pivotal role in the cognitive development of students.

    The importance of ink and color

    , wrought into our documents and notes through ink, plays a significant role in memory retention and comprehension. Psychologists argue that colors like blue and green foster a sense of calmness and improve focus, making them ideal for environments geared toward learning. Conversely, vibrant colors such as red and orange are thought to stimulate energy and excitement, potentially boosting creativity and critical thinking skills. By strategically incorporating these colors into educational materials, teachers can create a more dynamic and effective learning atmosphere, encouraging students to engage more deeply with the content.

    Delving deeper into the benefits of ink for students

    Writing with ink offers multifaceted benefits in an educational context:

    Enhanced memory and learning

    Research has shown that students remember information better when they write it down by hand rather than typing it. This is attributed to the fact that handwriting requires a bit more effort and thought, leading to deeper processing of the information. For instance, college students were found to recall more information from a lecture when they took notes by hand compared to typing them.

    Brain activation

    Writing by hand activates different brain regions compared to typing. When children write, it stimulates areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory. This stimulation is less pronounced when typing. For example, handwriting has been shown to activate the region of the brain that responds more to handwritten letters than typed letters in young children. For example in James, W. L., & Engelhardt, T. M. (2012) ''. This research highlights how the act of handwriting, as opposed to typing, can influence cognitive development and creative thought processes in young learners.

    Development of fine motor skills and cognitive abilities

    Handwriting also plays a crucial role in the development of fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. It requires a level of hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and thought about what is being written, which are essential skills for academic success and cognitive development.

    Creativity and thoughtful expression

    Handwriting can spark creativity and encourage more thoughtful expression. Slower than typing, it allows more time for creative ideas to develop and for the writer to choose their words carefully.Ìý

    Emotional and therapeutic benefits

    Handwriting can have therapeutic benefits, such as better immune function and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Writing about stressful events by hand can arouse higher emotional levels, leading to greater therapeutic benefits compared to typing. For example, ''Ìýdigs into the emotional and therapeutic benefits of writing by hand about stressful or significant life events.

    Problem-solving and mindfulness

    The process of handwriting can assist in problem-solving and serves as a mindful activity. Writing out problems can help clarify thoughts and lead to solutions. It also encourages a moment of calm and focus in a fast-paced world​​.

    In conclusion, the act of handwriting not only deepens focus and understanding but also contributes significantly to cognitive development, memory retention, creative thinking, emotional well-being and problem-solving skills. These benefits highlight the importance of maintaining handwriting as a skill, even in an increasingly digital world.

    Practical classroom applications of ink

    Teachers utilize various practical applications of ink in the classroom to enhance learning among students. These methods leverage the cognitive and educational benefits of handwriting:

    Handwritten note-taking

    Encouraging students to take notes by hand during lectures can significantly improve their understanding and retention of the material. . This method forces students to process and rephrase the information in their own words, which aids in deeper learning.

    Journal writing and creative tasks

    Assigning journal writing or creative writing tasks can be an effective way to develop student's writing skills and encourage self-expression. The act of writing by hand can stimulate creativity and thoughtfulness, as evidenced by numerous authors and researchers who advocate for the benefits of handwriting for creative processes.

    Practicing cursive writing

    , in particular, can be beneficial for cognitive development. It requires more complex motor skills and can help in the development of fine motor skills. Moreover, cursive writing can be faster than printing, which might engage students more effectively and give them a sense of personal style and ownership over their writing.

    Handwriting for memory and recall exercises

    Using pen and paper for writing exercises focused on memory and recall can be very effective. For example, having students write summaries of lessons or chapters by hand can help them better remember and understand the content. This method can be particularly useful for complex subjects where comprehension is critical​​.

    Therapeutic writing activities

    Incorporating therapeutic writing activities, such as writing letters or reflective essays, can offer emotional and psychological benefits. This practice can be particularly useful in subjects like literature or social studies, where understanding and expressing emotions are part of the learning process.

    Problem-Solving through writing

    Teachers can use handwriting for problem-solving activities, where students are asked to write out their thought processes when solving complex problems. This can, of course, be particularly useful in subjects like mathematics or science, where breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts is essential.

    Peer review and handwritten feedback

    Providing handwritten feedback on students' work can be more personal and impactful. Teachers can also encourage students to peer-review each other's handwriting, fostering a more engaging and thoughtful critique process.

    Wrapping up: Ink's enduring relevance in education

    In summary, the use of ink and handwriting in the classroom offers a range of benefits for student learning, from improving memory and understanding to fostering creativity and emotional expression. These methods, supported by research and studies, can be effectively integrated into various teaching strategies to enhance educational outcomes.

    Despite the digital age's allure, ink remains a potent tool in the educational arsenal. By nudging students towards the use of ink and harnessing the power of color, educators can cultivate a more engaging, dynamic and effective learning atmosphere.

    Extra insights for maximizing ink's potential

    • Offer students a diverse palette of ink colors to spark their interest and creativity.
    • Promote the use of handwriting in creative and expressive writing exercises.
    • Develop color-coded educational materials to aid visual learning.
    • Encourage personalized stationery: Inspiring students to use personalized ink pens or stationery can increase their engagement and ownership of their written work. It might also stimulate their interest in practicing handwriting more frequently.
    • Implement ink-based art projects: Integrating art projects that require the use of different ink colors can help students explore their creativity while learning about color theory and its impact on emotions and perceptions.
    • Promote the study of calligraphy: Introducing students to the art of calligraphy can foster an appreciation for handwriting's aesthetic aspects and improve their fine motor skills and concentration.
    • Incorporate ink in digital detox sessions: Allocating specific times during which students are encouraged to use only ink and paper for their work can serve as a digital detox, helping them to focus better and reduce screen time.

    Beyond engagement: The art of handwriting

    An often-overlooked benefit of writing in ink is the improvement of handwriting skills. The focused nature of handwriting demands careful attention to letter and number formation, leading to neater, more legible writing. This skill is invaluable for note-taking efficiency and clarity, especially for when they enter the workforce.

    To sum up, the simple act of using ink can have far-reaching effects on student engagement and learning outcomes. We urge educators to rediscover the power of ink in their classrooms and observe the transformative effects it can have on their students.

    From enhancing memory and promoting creativity, to offering therapeutic benefits and aiding cognitive development, the act of presents a multifaceted tool for educators and students alike. Whilst we continue to advance in a digital age, it's crucial to remember the foundational skills and benefits that handwriting offers.

  • Students sat outdoors writing in notepads smiling

    Why learning a language is better than using machine translation

    By

    Reading time: 7 minutes

    As technology and AI translation tools continue to advance, it's becoming increasingly tempting to rely on them for language-related tasks. However, this can potentially undermine motivation to learn a new language when technology seems to offer a shortcut. While machine translation can be helpful, it also has its limitations.Ìý

    Learning a language goes beyond just communication; it opens the door to different cultures, mindsets, and perspectives of the world. Machine translation, despite its efficiency, cannot replicate the cultural immersion that comes with learning a language. Spoken language nuances, idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and implicit rules that are second nature to native speakers are often lost in translation. Let's delve deeper into why learning a language is better than solely relying on machine translation.