English is quickly becoming the most commonly spoken language in the world. With 50 English-speaking countries and about 375 million people speaking English, it is no surprise that the language differs from country to country. In particular, our friends “across the pond” have quite a few different words for common kitchen items. A “spot of tea” might not be the only thing that is different in The UK.
I recently sat down with a friend of mine who was visiting from England. At the dinner table, she mentioned the fact that she had never used the term “garbage can” or “trash can.” Instead, it is more accurate to use the term “dustbin” in British English. After that moment, I began to brainstorm a whole list of food-related words that are called something completely different things in England.
1. Aluminum Foil vs. Aluminium Foil
No matter how many times you hear it, “aluminium” will always sound funny to an American English speaker. However, I personally think that adding that one extra vowel makes the word sound a bit more fancy.
2. Eggplant vs. Aubergine
We Americans might have adopted the English language, but it seems like British English has adopted the French language. Aubergine is actually the French term for eggplant. Call it what you wish, but this purple fruit will always just be an emoji to me.
3. Cookie vs. Biscuit
Cookie or biscuit? I’ll just take one of each please. In America, when we think “biscuit” we picture those scrumptious biscuits from KFC or Red Lobster. In the UK, however, a biscuit is more like the American cookie or vanilla wafer.
4. Pale Ale vs. Bitter
Pale ale is to bitter as bitter is to pale ale. These terms are interchangeable, and chances are bartenders will understand both meanings. In the world of beer, bitters are ales. The term “bitter,” in the US, just refers to the bitterness and hoppy aspect of the beer.
5. Cotton Candy vs. Candy Floss
I don’t know about you, but when I think of “floss,” I think of flossing my teeth—NOT cotton candy. Candy floss certainly sounds interesting, but that is what the Brits call it. No matter the sugar content or the damage this tasty treat will do to your teeth, this will always be one of my favorite fair foods.
6. Fries vs. Chips
French fries are basically a staple for many Americans, but we also love chips. In the UK, you’ll want to switch up your vocabulary to say chips instead of fries, unless you want to receive some strange looks. What better way to practice this than to order the ever-iconic fish ‘n chips.
7. Potato Chips vs. Crisps
On the other hand, if you do really want chips (as in our classic American potato chips), then make sure to order “crisps.” In my opinion, fish ‘n crisps would still taste pretty good together.
8. Zucchini vs. Courgette
Here is another example of the French language coming into play in this battle between American and British English. “Courgette” simply means “zucchini” in French, and in this case, British English as well.
9. Silverware vs. Cutlery
I am actually a fan of this difference because in reality, most eating utensils aren’t even made of silver these days. It might take some getting used to, but maybe Americans should make the switch to “cutlery.”
10. Graham Crackers vs. Digestives
Would you like some digestives with your marshmallow and chocolate? That combo doesn’t exactly sound appetizing. Graham crackers and digestives just don’t mix in my mind, but I’m not about to pass up an oozy, chocolatey s’more.
11. Cupcake vs. Fairy Cake
Apparently, there actually is a difference between cupcakes and fairy cakes. Americans love to supersize everything, so it’s no surprise that a fairy cake is simply the UK’s smaller version of the American cupcake.
12. Water Bottle vs. Flask
If an American asks for a flask in the UK, they might be disappointed to taste water instead of their liquor of choice. In the UK, water bottles are called “flasks,” but who says we really have to fill it with water?
13. Biscuit vs. Scone
Biscuit or scone? Once again, I’ll have one of each, please. As mentioned earlier, “biscuit” means a small cookie in the UK. However, if you want a flakey, buttery biscuit like you would get in the US, you are better off to order a “scone.”
14. Appetizer vs. Starter
For once, American English is switching it up and using the fancier word. Instead of going all proper, British English uses the more straightforward term: “starter.” They keep this consistent by using “main course” instead of “entrée.”
15. Dessert vs. Pudding
I’ll have some dessert… I mean pudding… I mean a donut? To Americans, this term is confusing because pudding is pudding, donuts are donuts, and cake is cake, but they all fall under the dessert category. In the UK, however, ordering “pudding” could mean you get pudding or any other dessert. We’ll have to appreciate the surprise factor with this one.
16. Soda vs. Fizzy Drink
Soda, pop, or Coke? This is a classic debate that divides American English. By adding British English into the mix, we come up with a fourth term for this carbonated beverage: “fizzy drink.” It seems to me that we will never come to a conclusion on this one.
17. Popsicle vs. Ice Lolly
Take a sec and say “ice lolly” in a British accent. You’re welcome. Honestly, I think I’m in favor of “ice lolly” just because of how cute it sounds in that accent.
18. Oatmeal vs. Porridge
Looks like Goldilocks and the Three Bears must have been from the UK because they were eating “porridge” not “oatmeal.” In reality, oatmeal is actually a type of porridge. The two terms are now used interchangeably.
19. Liquor vs. Spirit
“Liquor” and “spirit” can be used interchangeably, but you will want to use “spirit” if you are in the UK. Both terms simply refer to any unsweetened distilled alcoholic beverage. “Liqueur,” on the other hand, refers to any sweetened distilled alcoholic beverage.
20. Candy vs. Sweets
Honestly, no matter the name, candy and sweets will always hold a place in my heart. Apparently, in the US, we tend to group a lot of things as simply “candy.” For example, in America we eat candy bars like Hershey’s. However, in the UK, you would eat chocolate bars like Hershey’s.
I bet you didn’t think there were that many differences between these two dialects of English. I could only imagine the differences that are present between America, England and other English speaking nations like Australia. No matter the differences, you can bet that the food will always be delicious.