British vs. American English Idioms: Words That Mean Completely Different Things 👇

Intermediate Level | August 12, 2025

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If you work or travel internationally, you’ve probably noticed that British vs. American English idioms sometimes use the same words — but with completely different meanings. This can lead to funny situations, confusion, or even a little embarrassment.

Here are seven everyday British vs. American English idioms with meanings that change completely depending on whether you’re in the UK or the USA, plus examples and tips on what to watch out for.

1. “Chips”

UK: Fried potato sticks, like those served with fish — what Americans call French fries.
US: Thin, crispy potato slices in a bag — what Brits call crisps.
Example: UK: I’ll have fish and chips, please. US: Let’s get some chips for the party.
Watch out: Ordering “chips” in the wrong country may get you the opposite of what you expect.

2. “Pants”

UK: Underwear worn under your clothes.
US: Trousers, the clothing that covers your legs.
Example: UK: I need to buy new pants — mine are too small. US: These pants go perfectly with my shirt.
Watch out: Saying “I like your pants” in the UK could cause a red face.

3. “First floor”

UK: The floor above the ground floor.
US: The same level as the street entrance.
Example: UK: The meeting room is on the first floor — take the stairs. US: The café is on the first floor next to the lobby.
Watch out: Clarify which “first floor” you mean when giving directions.

4. “Jumper”

UK: A knitted sweater to keep you warm.
US: A sleeveless dress worn over a shirt or blouse.
Example: UK: I’m wearing a wool jumper today. US: She looked great in a denim jumper over a white blouse.
Watch out: Clothing terms vary widely — always describe the style if unsure.

5. “Bill”

UK: The written statement of what you need to pay in a restaurant.
US: Paper currency.
Example: UK: Can we have the bill, please? US: He paid with a $20 bill.
Watch out: In America, asking for “the bill” might confuse your waiter — they’ll expect you to say “check.”

6. “Holiday”

UK: A vacation or time off work.
US: A special public celebration day, like Christmas or Independence Day.
Example: UK: We’re going on holiday next week. US: Labor Day is my favorite holiday.
Watch out: “On holiday” in the UK means traveling; in the US, it usually means a fixed public date.

7. “Public school”

UK: An expensive, private school with a long history.
US: A school funded by the government, free to attend.
Example: UK: He studied at a top public school in London. US: I attended my local public school.
Watch out: This is one of the most misleading terms — always check the country context.

Remember:

These differences in British vs. American English idioms aren’t “wrong” — they come from history and culture. Knowing them helps you understand others better and avoid misunderstandings.

Vocabulary List

Idiom (noun) — A phrase with a meaning different from its words.
- Example: “Break the ice” is an idiom meaning to start a conversation.
Underwear (noun) — Clothes worn under your outer clothes.
- Example: I bought new underwear yesterday.
Trousers (noun) — Clothing that covers the legs separately.
- Example: His trousers are too long.
Knitted (adjective) — Made by looping yarn with needles.
- Example: She wore a knitted scarf.
Check (noun) — A written note showing the cost of a meal in a restaurant.
- Example: The waiter brought our check.
Bill (noun) — Paper money or a request for payment.
- Example: I paid with a five-dollar bill.
Vacation (noun) — A trip or time away from work.
- Example: We took a vacation in Hawaii.
Public holiday (noun) — A day when most businesses close for celebration.
- Example: Christmas is a public holiday.
Government-funded (adjective) — Paid for by the government.
- Example: Public schools are government-funded.
Culture (noun) — The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a group.
- Example: Food is an important part of culture.

5 Questions About the Article

In the UK, what are “chips”?
How is “pants” different in the UK and the US?
Where is the “first floor” in American English?
What does “holiday” usually mean in British English?
What is a “public school” in the UK?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Have you ever misunderstood someone because of British/American English differences?
Which of these idioms surprised you most?
Can you think of other words or phrases with different meanings in British and American English?
Which English style do you hear more often — British or American? Why?
How can knowing these differences help you in international communication?

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