Language evolves, of course, but these days, it feels like British English is increasingly influenced by American English.
Whether it’s from Hollywood, social media, or global business culture, Americanisms are finding their way into British speech, and not everyone is a fan. After all, a lot of Brits have a bit of a superiority complex when it comes to our Yankee friends across the pond, and preserving our linguistic culture is important to a lot of people. However, these Americanisms that are steadily becoming part of the British lexicon, like it or not.
1. “Can I get…” instead of “Can I have…”
Traditionally, Brits ask, “Can I have a cup of tea?” but more people are now saying, “Can I get a cup of tea?” This phrasing, borrowed from American restaurant culture, is becoming a common part of everyday British interactions. It reflects a shift toward a more casual, fast-paced conversational style influenced by modern dining and service industries.
2. “Hi” replacing “Hello”
While “hello” is still widely used, “hi” has become the go-to greeting in casual settings. It’s shorter, snappier, and undeniably American, reflecting a shift toward more informal communication. The influence of text messaging and social media has further cemented “hi” as the default greeting for many.
3. Saying “movie” instead of “film”
Source: Unsplash The word “movie” has been creeping into British vocabularies, especially among younger generations. While “film” isn’t going anywhere just yet, the influence of Hollywood and streaming platforms has made “movie night” a popular phrase. This shift also reflects how globalised entertainment has blurred linguistic distinctions over time.
4. Describing things as “awesome”
“Awesome” has taken over as a catch-all term for anything great or exciting, replacing traditionally British words like “brilliant” or “fantastic.” It’s upbeat, versatile, and undeniably American in tone. Its overuse may draw some criticism, but it continues to gain traction in informal conversations.
5. Referring to the “bathroom” instead of the “loo”
Source: Unsplash “Loo” is quintessentially British, but “bathroom” is becoming more common, even when no bath is involved. This shift likely stems from American TV shows and movies, where “bathroom” is the universal term. It’s a subtle but growing trend, especially among younger generations influenced by global media.
6. Using “takeout” instead of “takeaway”
Source: Unsplash As American fast-food chains dominate globally, “takeout” is edging its way into British speech. While “takeaway” still holds strong, you’ll hear “takeout” more often, especially among younger crowds influenced by social media and online ordering. It mirrors broader shifts in how we consume and talk about food.
7. Saying “elevator” instead of “lift”
While “lift” remains the standard in the UK, “elevator” occasionally slips in, especially in corporate or tech-driven environments. Globalisation and multinational companies are making this term harder to avoid. This is especially true in industries where American English dominates communication.
8. “Zee” instead of “zed”
The American pronunciation of the letter Z as “zee” is popping up more, thanks to educational content for children, tech terminology, and even songs like the alphabet rhyme. Traditionalists may cringe, but it’s becoming more widespread. Younger audiences exposed to American learning materials are adopting this pronunciation naturally.
9. Describing things as “weird” instead of “odd”
“Weird” is quickly outpacing “odd” as the preferred word for describing something unusual or strange. It carries a slightly more dramatic flair, making it a favourite in modern British speech. Its popularity might also reflect the more expressive, casual tone of Americanised language trends.
10. Using “sidewalk” instead of “pavement”
Though “pavement” is still the norm, “sidewalk” occasionally makes an appearance in British conversations, particularly in cities with high tourism or among those consuming a lot of American media. It’s a reminder of how linguistic shifts often start in urban hubs before spreading more widely.
11. Referring to an “apartment” instead of a “flat”
“Flat” has traditionally been the British term, but “apartment” is sneaking into everyday usage, especially in the property market. Luxury housing advertisements often favour “apartment” to sound more upscale. It also reflects how international business language influences everyday British speech.
12. Saying “trash” or “garbage” instead of “rubbish”
“Rubbish” might still be the default in the UK, but “trash” and “garbage” are creeping in, largely through pop culture. The rise of eco-conscious conversations globally also means “trash” terms are becoming more universal. These terms are particularly prevalent in discussions around sustainability and recycling.
13. Describing someone as “on vacation” instead of “on holiday”
While Brits still proudly say “on holiday,” “vacation” is increasingly heard, particularly in professional contexts or among younger people influenced by American movies and TV shows. It’s a sign of how leisure-related language is becoming more globally standardised.
14. Ending conversations with “Have a nice day”
This friendly farewell, often associated with American customer service, is becoming more common in the UK. It’s cheerful and polite but noticeably different from the more understated British goodbyes like “Cheers” or “See you later.” Its growing use reflects a shift toward adopting a more upbeat tone in daily interactions.
