jcm's blog

So I’m thinking about putting up a proper webpage tracking some of the differences between US and UK English. Maybe a modified dict or something could be the appropriate solution. Until then, here’s a list (I’ll try to remember to update this article when I have new ideas):

• Advert -> Commercial (Advertisement is not used for TV)
• Aeroplane -> Airplane (obvious example there)
• Bin -> Trash Can (more well known example there)
• Cafetière -> French Press
• Dressing Gown -> Bath Robe (don’t ever say Dressing Gown)
• Gherkin -> Pickle (pickled cucumber, more generic than Gherkin too)
• Glandular Fever -> Mono (full name (infectious) mononucleosis)
• Hire Car -> Rental Car
• Jumper -> Sweater (more well known example there)
• Post -> Mail (more well known example there)
• Spanner -> Wrench (don’t ever say “throw a spanner in the works”)
• Trainers -> Running Shoes (or maybe Sneakers)
• Trousers -> Pants (more well known example there)
• Washing -> Laundry (though they’d guess)

Of course, I’m not addressing the pronounciation differences. There are obvious examples from popular culture such as Tomato/Tomarto, but then there are more subtle differences in words like vase (no “varse”), adver*tize*ment, and so on. Some of these are well known, others not. And then, of course, there’s a need to adjust general grammar rules for a US audience, too.

I generally modify my pronounciation, as well as my grammar and spelling, in business/consumer settings in order to avoid confusement/random giggling at what I’m saying. Though with friends, I often don’t bother to change how I say something (because it’s more amusing that way around) – but probably still consider it.

Jon.