English is spoken all over the world, but did you know that the same word can mean very different things depending on where you are? This can be confusing for learners, but it’s also really fun to explore.

Today, I want to share some examples of words that change meaning in American English, British English, and South African English. By the end, you might understand why traveling or talking to friends from other countries can sometimes be a little… confusing 


1. Chips

  • American English: Chips = thin, crispy slices of potato you eat as a snack (like Lay’s).
  • British English: Chips = thick, fried potato sticks (what Americans call French fries).
  • South African English: Chips = same as British English, thick fried potatoes.


2. Boot

  • American English: Boot = a kind of shoe that covers your ankle or higher.
  • British English: Boot = the trunk of a car.
  • South African English: Boot = same as British English.


So, if someone in London tells you, “Put it in the boot,” they definitely don’t mean shoes. I always have to remind my students of this one, it’s a fun little trap for travelers.


3. Football

  • American English: Football = American football (the one with touchdowns, helmets, and big pads).
  • British English: Football = soccer (the game most of the world calls football).
  • South African English: Football = soccer, but rugby is also very popular.


Fun fact: In South Africa, if you just say “football,” people usually think soccer but if you say “the rugby match,” everyone knows what you mean. Sports can get tricky!


4. Biscuit

  • American English: Biscuit = soft bread roll, usually eaten with breakfast or gravy.
  • British English: Biscuit = sweet, crunchy cookie.
  • South African English: Biscuit = same as British, a sweet cookie.


I always smile when I explain this one. If you go to a café in the UK and ask for a biscuit, don’t be surprised if it’s tiny and crunchy, not soft and warm like an American biscuit.


5. Lift

  • American English: Lift = to pick something up.
  • British English: Lift = elevator.
  • South African English: Lift = elevator (same as British). 

Fun fact: I’ve had students stand around confused in a building asking, “Where is the lift?” while Americans are thinking, “Oh, just lift it up!” Always a good laugh in class.


6. Jumper

  • American English: Jumper = someone who jumps.
  • British English: Jumper = a warm sweater.
  • South African English: Jumper = sweater (same as British).

So if someone says, “It’s cold, put on a jumper,” don’t look around for a person ready to jump.


7. Holiday

  • American English: Holiday = a public holiday (like Christmas or Thanksgiving).
  • British English: Holiday = vacation, a trip somewhere for fun.
  • South African English: Holiday = same as British English.

This one can confuse learners a lot. If your British friend says, “I’m on holiday,” they probably mean they are traveling somewhere fun, not just enjoying a public holiday.


8. Rubber

  • American English: Rubber = the material (like erasers or tires).
  • British English: Rubber = eraser.
  • South African English: Rubber = eraser.

Fun fact: In the US, if you ask for a rubber, it could get very confusing! In South Africa, though, you can safely ask for a rubber in school and get exactly what you mean.


9. Trolley

  • American English: Trolley = tram or streetcar (in some regions).
  • British English: Trolley = shopping cart.
  • South African English: Trolley = shopping cart.

So next time you push your trolley in a South African or UK supermarket, you can smile knowing Americans might be imagining a tram moving down the street.


10. Robot

  • American English: Robot = a machine that can do tasks automatically, like in factories or movies.
  • British English: Robot = same as American English, but sometimes also used for automatic machines like a vacuum cleaner.
  • South African English: Robot = traffic light! Yes, we actually say “robot” instead of a traffic light.


11. Garage

  • American English: Garage = a building or space next to a house where you park your car.
  • British English: Garage = a place where you get your car fixed or serviced.
  • South African English: Garage = petrol station (you go there to fill up your car).


Why this is helpful for learners


Understanding these differences:

  • Helps you avoid small embarrassing mistakes.
  • Makes watching movies or reading books easier.
  • Helps you sound more natural depending on which English you are learning.

Tip: When talking to someone from another country, it’s okay to ask: “Which kind of chips do you mean?” or “Do you mean football as in soccer or American football?” It’s fun and shows you’re paying attention.


Question for you

Have you ever used a word in English and someone misunderstood you because of the country? Or do you know other words that have different meanings in American, British, and South African English?