Often “divided by a common language”, there have been many humorous misunderstandings between speakers of American and British English. United Kingdom folks often find the way Americans speak quite funny, and the opposite is often true, as well.
So much has changed since British pioneers brought a new language to the New World hundreds of years ago, and both US and UK English has evolved, including a variety of unique accents. Add in new slang, different spellings and using the same vocabulary in different ways, many interesting conversations and understandings have resulted.
Here is a list of some of the same words that have different meanings on each side of the pond:
BRITISH |
AMERICAN |
|
| Chips | French Fries |  |
| Football | Soccer |  |
| Queue | Line |  |
| Trainers | Sneakers |  |
| Biscuit | Cookie |  |
| Serviette | Napkin |  |
| Trolley | Shopping Cart |  |
| Trousers | Pants |  |
| Pram | Stroller |  |
| Lift | Elevator |  |
| Torch | Flashlight |  |
| Boot | Trunk |  |
