English is a global language, but it’s far from uniform. Words, spellings, and everyday terms vary across countries, often in amusing or confusing ways. This glossary compares common English vocabulary across six major varieties: UK (British), US (American), AU (Australian), CA (Canadian), IE (Irish), and ZA (South African). Whether you’re a traveller, writer, editor, or language lover, you’ll find this list useful — and maybe a bit entertaining too.
| Term | UK | US | AU | CA | IE | ZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumper | jumper | sweater | jumper | sweater | jumper | jersey |
| Trainers | trainers | sneakers | runners | running shoes | runners | takkies |
| Trousers | trousers | pants | pants/trousers | pants | trousers | trousers |
| Waistcoat | waistcoat | vest | vest | vest | waistcoat | waistcoat |
| Vest | vest | undershirt | singlet | undershirt | vest | vest |
| Fancy Dress | fancy dress | costume | costume | costume | fancy dress | costume |
| Dressing Gown | dressing gown | robe | robe | robe | dressing gown | gown |
| Swimming Costume | swimming costume | swimsuit | bathers/swimmers | swimsuit | togs | swimming costume |
| Biscuit | biscuit | cookie | biscuit | cookie | biscuit | biscuit |
| Crisps | crisps | chips | chips | chips | crisps | crisps |
| Sweets | sweets | candy | lollies | candy | sweets | sweets |
| Aubergine | aubergine | eggplant | eggplant | eggplant | aubergine | brinjal |
| Courgette | courgette | zucchini | zucchini | zucchini | courgette | baby marrow |
| Mince | mince | ground beef | mince | ground beef | mince | mince |
| Chips (hot) | chips | fries | hot chips | fries | chips | slap chips |
| Pudding | pudding | dessert | dessert | dessert | pudding | pudding |
| Spring Onion | spring onion | scallion | spring onion | green onion | scallion | spring onion |
| Hoover | hoover | vacuum | vacuum | vacuum | hoover | vacuum cleaner |
| Bin Liner | bin liner | trash bag | bin bag | garbage bag | bin liner | bin bag |
| Washing Up Liquid | washing up liquid | dish soap | dishwashing liquid | dish soap | washing up liquid | dishwashing liquid |
| Cling Film | cling film | plastic wrap | glad wrap | plastic wrap | cling film | cling wrap |
| Kitchen Roll | kitchen roll | paper towel | paper towel | paper towel | kitchen roll | paper towel |
| Boot (car) | boot | trunk | boot | trunk | boot | boot |
| Car Park | car park | parking lot | car park | parking lot | car park | car park |
| Lorry | lorry | truck | truck/ute | truck | lorry | bakkie |
| Underground | underground | subway | underground/train | subway | underground | underground |
| Windscreen | windscreen | windshield | windscreen | windshield | windscreen | windscreen |
| Indicator | indicator | turn signal | blinker | signal light | indicator | indicator |
| Number Plate | number plate | license plate | number plate | license plate | number plate | number plate |
| Note (money) | note | bill | note | bill | note | note |
| Bill (restaurant) | bill | check | bill | check | bill | bill |
| Shop | shop | store | shop | store | shop | shop |
| Chemist | chemist | pharmacy | chemist | pharmacy | chemist | pharmacy |
| Off-licence | off-licence | liquor store | bottle shop | liquor store | off-licence | bottle store |
| Dummy | dummy | pacifier | dummy | soother | soother | dummy |
| Pushchair | pushchair | stroller | pram/stroller | stroller | buggy | pram |
| Cot | cot | crib | cot | crib | cot | cot |
| Nappy | nappy | diaper | nappy | diaper | nappy | nappy |
| Nursery | nursery | daycare | childcare | daycare | creche | creche |
| Mobile Phone | mobile phone | cell phone | mobile | cell phone | mobile | cellphone |
| Sat Nav | sat nav | GPS | GPS | GPS | sat nav | GPS |
| TV Licence | TV licence | cable fee | TV licence | TV tax | TV licence | TV licence |
| Plug Socket | plug socket | outlet | power point | outlet | socket | plug point |
| Headteacher | headteacher | principal | principal | principal | headteacher | principal |
| Primary School | primary school | elementary school | primary school | elementary school | primary school | primary school |
| Secondary School | secondary school | high school | high school | high school | secondary school | high school |
| University | university | college | uni | university | university | university |
| Revision | revision | review/study | revision | review | revision | study |
| Cheers (thanks) | cheers | thanks | ta/thanks | thanks | cheers | thanks |
| Chuffed | chuffed | pleased | stoked | happy | delighted | pleased |
| Bloody | bloody | damn | bloody | damn | bloody | damn |
| Knackered | knackered | exhausted | wrecked | tired | wrecked | exhausted |
| Fancy (like) | fancy | like | like | like | fancy | fancy |
If you’re fascinated by the diverse ways in which English is used around the world, you might be interested in exploring more about the differences in dialects and language usage. Speaking of global languages, you might find it enlightening to read about the [History of the English Language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_English_language) on Wikipedia. Additionally, if the unique use of English in different regions intrigues you, consider delving into [British English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_English) and [American English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_English) to see how they differ. For those curious about the nuances of Australian vernacular, the [Australian English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_English) page offers fascinating insights. Moreover, if you’re interested in how English varies in Ireland, the [Irish English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_English) article is a must-read. Similarly, exploring [South African English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_English) can add to your understanding of linguistic variations. Each of these articles provides a deeper look into how English has evolved and adapted across different cultures and regions.
Exploring the fascinating world of English language variations can truly enrich your understanding of this global tongue. Speaking of linguistic nuances, you might be interested in delving into the history and development of English by visiting the History of the English Language page. For those intrigued by how different cultures influence English, the Cultural Influence of the English Language article provides valuable insights. Additionally, if you’re curious about specific dialects, check out the British English, American English, and Australian English Wikipedia pages for a deeper look into regional variations. These resources can give you a fuller picture of how English has morphed and flourished across different parts of the world.