Lexical Differences II American English Vs British English

Summary

This lesson explores the lexical differences between British English and American English, highlighting various vocabulary terms that differ between the two dialects. Key examples include 'aeroplane' vs. 'airplane', 'autumn' vs. 'fall', 'biscuit' vs. 'cookie', and 'flat' vs. 'apartment'. The instructor also covers terms like 'crisps' (British) and 'chips' (American), 'car park' and 'parking lot', and 'mobile phone' and 'cell phone'. The lesson aims to clarify these distinctions, helping students understand and appreciate the nuances of each dialect.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lesson focuses on lexical differences between British English and American English.
• 🌐 'Aeroplane' is British English for what is called 'airplane' in American English.
• 🍽️ 'Appetizer' in British English is 'starter' in American English.
• 🍂 'Autumn' is the British term for the American 'fall'.
• 🔄 'Anticlockwise' in British English is 'counterclockwise' in American English.
• 🍪 'Biscuit' is a British term, while Americans use 'cookie'.
• 🚗 'Bonnet' on a car is 'hood' in American English.
• 📚 'Bookshop' is British for what Americans call a 'book store'.
• 🥔 'Crisps' in British English are 'chips' in American English.
• 🅿️ 'Car park' is British for 'parking lot' in American English.
• 💊 'Chemist' in British English is 'druggist' in American English.
• 🗑️ 'Dustbin' is a British term, whereas Americans say 'garbage' or 'trash can'.
• 🏡 'Flat' in British English is 'apartment' in American English.
• ⚽️ 'Football' is British for 'soccer' in American English.
• 🎬 'Film' in British English is 'movie' in American English.
• 👜 'Handbag' is British, while Americans use 'purse'.
• 👕 'Jumper' is a British term for what Americans call a 'sweater'.
• 📱 'Mobile phone' is British for 'cell phone' in American English.
• 🌽 'Maze' in British English is 'corn' in American English.
• 📮 'Post box' is British for 'mailbox' in American English.
• 🛤️ 'Pavement' is British for 'sidewalk' in American English.
• 🚗 'Petrol' is British for 'gas' or 'gasoline' in American English.
• 🏷️ 'Postcode' is British for 'zip code' in American English.
• 🛒 'Shopping trolley' is British for 'shopping cart' in American English.
• 🛍️ 'Shop' is a British term, while Americans use 'store'.
• 🛋️ 'Sofa' is British, whereas Americans use 'couch'.
• 🍬 'Sweets' in British English are 'candy' in American English.
• ⏰ 'Timetable' is British for 'schedule' in American English.
• 🚪 'Lift' in British English is 'elevator' in American English.
• ✏️ 'Rubber' in British English is 'eraser' in American English.
• 🛒 'Shopping trolley' is more common in British English, while 'shopping cart' is used in American English.
• 🏪 'Shop' is a common British term, while 'store' is the American equivalent.
• 🛋️ 'Sofa' is used in British English, while 'couch' is the American term.
• 🚸 'Zebra Crossing' is a British term for what is called 'crosswalk' in American English.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson in the transcript?

The main topic of the lesson is the lexical differences between British English and American English.

What is the British English term for what is called 'airplane' in American English?

In British English, 'airplane' is referred to as 'aeroplane'.

How is 'appetizer' known in British English?

In British English, 'appetizer' is known as 'starter'.

What is the American English equivalent of the British English word 'autumn'?

The American English equivalent of 'autumn' in British English is 'fall'.

What is the term used in British English for what Americans call 'counterclockwise'?

In British English, 'counterclockwise' is referred to as 'anticlockwise'.

What is the difference in terminology between British and American English for a sweet baked good?

In British English, a sweet baked good is called a 'biscuit', while in American English, it is called a 'cookie'.

How is the term 'bonnet' used differently in British and American English?

In British English, 'bonnet' refers to the hood of a car, whereas in American English, 'bonnet' is not commonly used for this purpose.

What is the American English term for 'bookshop' in British English?

In American English, 'bookshop' is referred to as 'book store'.

What is the British English word for what Americans call 'chips'?

In British English, 'chips' are known as 'crisps'.

How does the term for a place to park a car differ between British and American English?

In British English, a place to park a car is called a 'car park', while in American English, it is called a 'parking lot'.

What is the term used in British English for what is known as 'druggist' in American English?

In British English, 'druggist' is referred to as 'chemist'.

What is the American English equivalent of the British English word 'fortnight'?

The American English equivalent of 'fortnight' in British English is 'two weeks'.

How is the term for a place to dispose of waste different in British and American English?

In British English, a place to dispose of waste is called a 'dustbin', while in American English, it is referred to as a 'garbage can' or 'trash can'.

What is the British English term for 'apartment' in American English?

In British English, 'apartment' is referred to as 'flat'.

What is the American English term for 'petrol' in British English?

In American English, 'petrol' is known as 'gas' or 'gasoline'.

How does the term for a public mailbox differ between British and American English?

In British English, a public mailbox is called a 'post box', while in American English, it is called a 'mailbox'.

What is the British English word for 'schedule' in American English?

In British English, 'schedule' is referred to as 'timetable'.

What is the American English term for 'zebra crossing' in British English?

In American English, 'zebra crossing' is known as 'crosswalk'.