Languages are always evolving, and obviously, Britain has borrowed plenty from across the pond.
However, some Americanisms just feel a bit wrong when squeezed into British conversation. It’s not snobbery (well, maybe a little); it’s about preserving the magic of proper British phrasing before we all start sounding like we’re in a Netflix teen drama. Here are some of the Americanisms that most of us would politely (or not so politely) prefer to keep out of everyday chat.
1. Saying “vacation” instead of “holiday”
There’s nothing wrong with the word “vacation” — it just sounds weirdly formal and detached compared to the cheerful British “holiday.” Holidays feel like something to look forward to with a cup of tea and a smug grin while filling in the out-of-office reply.
Hearing a Brit say, “I’m going on vacation” instantly feels like they’ve been on one too many influencer trips to LA. Nothing beats the wholesome, slightly chaotic spirit of a proper British holiday, dodgy weather included.
2. Calling a shopping trolley a “cart”
Grabbing a “trolley” for your big Tesco shop is a simple joy—until someone calls it a “cart,” and suddenly, you’re picturing a wooden wheelbarrow pulled by a horse. “Cart” sounds like something that belongs at a medieval market, not your local Tesco.
The trolley is a British supermarket institution, even if the wheels are suspiciously dodgy 80% of the time. Let’s keep “cart” safely on the other side of the Atlantic, where it belongs with root beer floats and baseball caps.
3. Describing everything as “awesome”
In Britain, “awesome” used to mean something literally awe-inspiring, like the Grand Canyon or seeing the Northern Lights. Now it’s thrown around so much that even a half-decent sandwich can apparently be “awesome.”
We don’t mind a bit of enthusiasm, but we tend to prefer more understated praise—a solid “not bad” or “quite good” carries way more emotional weight. Save “awesome” for moments that actually deserve fireworks.
4. Saying “cookie” when you mean “biscuit”
Yes, technically all cookies are biscuits, but not all biscuits are cookies. Calling every lovely custard cream or digestive a “cookie” feels like painting a stately home beige because you think it’s trendy.
There’s a deep, cosy dignity to a good British biscuit—dunked in tea, preferably—and lumping them all under “cookies” just doesn’t do them justice. Keep cookies for gooey American chocolate chip treats, and let biscuits remain proudly British.
5. Referring to your “fanny pack” casually
In America, this is harmless—just another word for bum. In Britain… well, it means something completely different, and shouting about your “fanny pack” in public is guaranteed to get a few stifled snickers.
There are some cultural gaps you can politely sidestep, and this is one of them. Stick with “bum bag” while on British soil, or prepare for a lot of barely disguised laughter whenever you hit the high street.
6. Using “gotten” instead of “got”
Somehow “gotten” sneaks its way into conversations and emails, and it just sounds… off. It’s the verbal equivalent of wearing socks with sandals—technically functional, but you’ll definitely get some side-eyes.
“Got” does the job perfectly well for us Brits. It’s short, clean, and fuss-free. “Gotten” feels like unnecessary verbal furniture, and the Queen (if she were still here) would surely raise a royal eyebrow at it.
7. Calling petrol “gas”
It’s a liquid. You can literally see it sloshing around in the pump. Calling it “gas” feels like someone missed the memo about states of matter back in school science lessons.
Petrol has a certain no-nonsense British ring to it—a vital part of road trips and grumbling about prices. “Gas” belongs in science labs and American road movies, not polite conversation at the Shell garage.
8. Using “sidewalk” instead of “pavement”
Brits stroll on pavements, not sidewalks. The word “sidewalk” sounds clunky, like it’s been built by a committee trying to sound overly technical. It misses the slightly grumpy romance of a rainy British stroll.
Walking along the pavement, dodging puddles, and tutting at slow walkers is practically a national pastime. Keep “sidewalks” for New York City strolls and leave pavements to the drizzle-soaked streets of Britain.
9. Saying “soccer” instead of “football”
We get it—Americans needed a different word because they already had their own version of “football” (involving helmets and confusing scoring systems). But over here, it’s simply football—the beautiful, occasionally heartbreaking game.
Calling it “soccer” on British soil feels like turning up to a barbecue with tofu hot dogs. You’re welcome, but expect a few baffled looks and some polite, painful nodding.
10. Using “mom” instead of “mum”
There’s something warm and undeniably British about saying “mum.” It’s homely, comforting, and pairs perfectly with phrases like “put the kettle on” or “have a bit of a sit-down.”
“Mom” feels jarringly sharp to British ears, like nails on a chalkboard. It’s lovely that Americans love their moms, but over here, long live the mums—rain-soaked school runs, awkward hugs, and all.
11. Calling a takeaway a “to-go order”
After a long day, nothing hits like grabbing a takeaway. It’s the comforting signal that you’re about to eat something slightly questionable from the comfort of your sofa, pyjamas firmly on.
“To-go order” sounds clinical, like it belongs in a corporate cafeteria. Takeaways have soul. They’re messy, occasionally greasy, and thoroughly British. Let’s not lose that charming chaos to sterile phrasing.
12. Describing your flat as an “apartment”
Calling it an apartment just feels… wrong somehow. Flats have a special place in British culture. They’re slightly wonky, charming, and come with suspiciously small kitchens no matter how expensive they are.
“Apartment” sounds sleek and impersonal. A flat might have creaky floors, peeling paint, and a shared bin cupboard, but it also has character, and we wouldn’t trade that for anything.
13. Saying “store” instead of “shop”
Brits pop to the shops, not to the “store.” Saying “store” feels a bit too dramatic for what is often a five-minute milk-and-bread dash while wearing trackies and dodging neighbours you don’t feel like chatting to.
The word “shop” fits perfectly. It’s casual, charming, and as flexible as needed. You can nip to the corner shop, the charity shop, or the flower shop without it sounding like you’re embarking on a shopping mall quest.
14. Calling autumn “fall”
There’s something so beautifully British about the word “autumn”—it feels like crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, and the first jumpers of the season. “Fall,” though? It sounds like something unfortunate happening to a person, not a season.
We’ll take our autumns, thank you very much. They’re misty and slightly melancholic, just the way we like them. Leave “fall” to pumpkin patches and Halloween movies across the Atlantic.
15. Overusing “you guys” in every conversation
Brits are increasingly slipping “you guys” into sentences without even noticing, but it still feels a little odd. It’s great for casual American banter, but it doesn’t sit as naturally alongside phrases like “Alright, mate?” and “Fancy a cuppa?”
Sometimes, a simple “you lot,” “everyone,” or just calling people by name feels far more natural. British conversation thrives on a bit of understated warmth—not everything needs to sound like a motivational TikTok speech.
