Vocabulary Lesson(s)

Since moving to England, I have discovered that the same word can have a completely different meaning in American English versus British English. Very confusing. Also, hilarious.

For example:

Jelly:
American: What you put on your peanut butter & jelly sandwich. As in, Smucker's jam and preserves.
British: The fruit-flavored, gelatin-based product you add boiling water to, and cool into a jiggly shape. As in, Jell-O.

Grill:
American: What you light a fire in and cook meat on, outside. Also, a method of cooking meat over a fire. As in, at my tailgate party, I'm going to grill burgers and hot dogs.
British: The very top part inside the oven. As in, the broiler.

Pickle:
American: What you put on a burger, or have on the side of a sandwich. As in, dill pickle.
British: A pickled vegetable relish, often served with bread and sharp cheddar cheese. As in, Branston Pickle. (Delicious, by the way.)

Pudding:
American: What you whisk into cold milk and refrigerate until it turns into creamy goodness; in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, banana, and pistachio. As in, Bill Cosby, instant Jell-O pudding.
British: Often, an all-encompassing term for dessert. Usually bread-/flour-based. Also includes savory dishes like steak & kidney pie. As in, not gluten free.

Lemonade:
American: The drink you get from squeezing lemons, and adding sugar and water. As in, fresh squeezed lemonade.
British: Same flavor. Always fizzy.

Chips:
American: What happens when you thinly slice a potato, fry it, and salt or otherwise flavor it. As in, I would like a bag of Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream potato chips. (Seriously. I would.)
British: What happens when you thickly slice a potato, fry it, and salt or otherwise flavor it. As in, french fries.

Pants:
American: "An outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle". (Merriam-Webster) As in, jeans, khakis, etc.

British: Underwear. As in, my 5 year old British nephew giggles every time I refer to my "pants", when I mean "trousers".

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