British vs. American English
1 / 15Can you tell British English from American English?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
What is the British English word for the American 'trunk' (of a car)?
About British vs. American English
British vs. American English is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions. Can you tell British English from American English? A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.
A few sample questions
1. What is the British English word for the American 'trunk' (of a car)?
Answer: Boot
In British English, the storage compartment at the rear of a car is called the 'boot,' while Americans call it the 'trunk.'
2. What do Americans call what the British call 'biscuits'?
Answer: Cookies
British 'biscuits' are what Americans call 'cookies.' Confusingly, American 'biscuits' are a type of soft, fluffy bread roll that doesn't have a direct British equivalent.
3. In British English, what is a 'flat'?
Answer: An apartment
In British English, a 'flat' is an apartment. The word comes from the Old English 'flet' meaning a floor or dwelling.
4. What is the American English spelling of the British word 'colour'?
Answer: Color
Americans spell it 'color' without the 'u.' This spelling difference was largely popularized by Noah Webster's American dictionary in 1828, which simplified many British spellings.
5. What do the British call the 'hood' of a car?
Answer: Bonnet
The British call the front engine cover of a car the 'bonnet,' while Americans call it the 'hood.'
Things you'll learn along the way
- The British call an elevator a 'lift.' Both words have been in use since the 19th century, but different terms became standard in each country.
- A British 'torch' is an American 'flashlight.' In British English, 'torch' refers to a portable battery-powered light, while in American English, 'torch' usually means a flaming stick.
- British 'chips' are what Americans call 'French fries' — thick-cut fried potatoes. What Americans call 'chips' (thin, crispy snacks), the British call 'crisps.'
Frequently asked questions
What's a good follow-up after British vs. American English?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print British vs. American English?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, British vs. American English fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in British vs. American English?
British vs. American English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Explore related topics
More Word Games
Words From the First Americans: Algonquian English
Dozens of words in everyday English were borrowed from Native American languages centuries ago — and you probably use them without ever knowing it.
Aboriginal Australian Words in English
From kangaroo to boomerang, discover the Aboriginal Australian language origins of iconic English words!
Animal Words in English
English is full of words that contain hidden animal names or come from animals. Can you spot the creatures lurking in these words and phrases?
Arabic Loanwords in English
Discover English words that trace their roots back to the Arabic language — from algebra to zero!
Cajun English Words
Explore the rich vocabulary of Cajun English from Louisiana's bayou country!
Try Nostalgia Trivia
1960s British Invasion
How well do you remember when British bands conquered the American music charts in the 1960s?
Try General Knowledge
The American Civil War
From Fort Sumter to Appomattox — explore the battles, leaders, and turning points of America's most defining conflict.
Free printables
Word Scramble Sheets
Printable word scramble sheets with answer keys.