BBC Learning English 英语教学

Hi BBC, I like your question and answer programme. I have a question too; Americans use different words from the British, such as eggplant and aubergine, or fall and autumn. Could you make a summary? Thanks.

Simon, Nanjing

It is not just Chinese learners of English that get confused about certain words that are used differently by Americans and Brits.

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Almost all British travellers to the States have come across situations where they are misunderstood and vice versa.

As George Bernard Shaw once said 'England and America are two countries are separated by a common language.'

It's great fun if you can match all the words that are distinctly American with British translations.

In the first of American English Words we look at some commonly used words relating to food and drink.

You will hear five short dialogues between two American speakers and two British speakers. Don't be surprised if they don't understand each other the first time.

Americans have different words for these from the Brits.

Listen out for these words in the programme:



chips and crisps

jelly and jam

eggplants and aubergine

scallions and spring onions

the check and the bill

pigs in a blanket

Listen to the programme to find out which are American English and which are British English.

If you have a question you would like to ask our team, email us at questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk.

We might make a programme about your question.

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