It’s common knowledge that English is the primary language in both America and the UK. Take a trip to Britain, however, and there’s a good chance you’ll realize just how different the English spoken across the pond is from what people are used to in America. If there’s one area in which this is especially apparent, it’s food.

Throw the terms “pips,” “bangers,” and “rashers” at someone who is used to speaking American English, and you’re likely to be met with inquisitive eyes. In reality, though, these terms are commonly used in England and can be translated to things we eat here in America — seeds, sausages, and bacon slices. While the language may be by and large the same, it’s the terminology that is difficult for many people to translate. In many ways, deciphering British English can be more difficult for Americans than English to Spanish translation (or similar translations).

Cultural Implications

It may seem as if the differences in food terminology between American and British English are harmless and arbitrary. What often goes overlooked, however, is how much each nationality is proud of its individual culture. Sitting down at a restaurant in London and ordering “sausage and potatoes,” for example, would no doubt cause a disconnect — this classic dish is referred to as “bangers and mash.” It’d be a similar situation if someone from across the pond came to Coney Island and asked for “candy floss” instead of cotton candy. These things not only have the potential to cause confusion, but they can even come off as rude if you’re not careful.

Learning Proper Terminology

Perhaps the most important thing to gain here is that cultural differences can have a dramatic effect on language, even in situations where each country speaks a version of the same language. It’s especially apparent in British and American English, but it can also be seen among different Spanish-speaking countries as well. Understanding the differences between terminology is exceptionally important for those who are trying to learn the finer points of language, especially if one travels on a regular basis. It can be confusing to dial in the differences between similar languages, but taking the time to do so can make or break your cultural experiences if you have plans to travel abroad and dive into everything that foreign countries have to offer.