American vs British English: A Helpful Guide for Writers and Teachers

This post is inspired by The London Eye Mystery, a middle grade novel popular on both sides of the pond by talented Irish author Siobhan Dowd (who sadly, passed away in 2007). First in an award-winning two-book series, it features relatable, memorable, and unique kid sleuths. Given the author’s heritage and the MG novel’s setting, it’s no surprise that British words and/or spellings are liberally used. When conducting a recent tutoring session with an 8th grade student, we enjoyed acting like sleuths to find the differences and decode them, which greatly aided the student’s comprehension. As a teacher, I encourage making vocabulary challenges fun and engaging for students. As a writer, I believe making characters sound authentic is a splendid way to distinguish them. Onward ho with the guide!

SAY WHAT?! In this section, I’ll share 12 British words from The London Eye Mystery with the American “translations” shown in capital letters.

#1) favourite = FAVORITE

#2) oesophagus = ESOPHAGUS

#3) Mum = MOM

#4) post = MAIL

#5) programme = PROGRAM

#6) skiving = off the rails = bunking off = SKIPPING SCHOOL

#7) smoking fags = SMOKING CIGARETTES

#8) bloody (as in “down a bloody black hole”) = USED FOR EMPHASIS; A MILD SUBSTITUTION FOR A SWEAR WORD

#9) holiday = VACATION

#10) footballers = SOCCER PLAYERS

#11) lump it = DEAL WITH IT

#12) cheeky = BRASH; IRREVERENT

AMERICAN ENGLISH BRITISH ENGLISH

toward towards

forward forwards

upward upwards

downward downwards

backward backwards

afterward afterwards

#1) Nappy = DIAPER

#2) Porridge = OATMEAL

#3) Chips = FRENCH FRIES

#4) Flat = APARTMENT

#5) Pond= THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

#6) Boot/Bonnet = TRUNK/HOOD

#7 Zebra Crossing = CROSSWALK WITH WHITE STRIPES
Note that Zebra is pronounced with a “short e” sound. – ze bra instead of zee bra

#8) Biscuit = COOKIE

#9) Bloke = DUDE

#10) Loo = TOILET

There are many, many spelling differences, too. To delve into more of these, check out this helpful link : https://www.oxfordinternationalenglish.com/differences-in-british-and-american-spelling/

The purpose of this post is twofold.

1: Whether a novel is set overseas or a character hails from another country, take the time to research vocabulary and spelling differences. Language differences are a great way to differentiate characters!

3: I encourage teachers to make vocabulary lessons FUN as well as educational.