14 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Called by Different Names in the U.K. ( courtecy;- reader's digest )

FOOD FUN & NEWS

14 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Called by Different Names in the U.K.

Marissa Laliberte

The chips/fries difference is just the beginning.

Zucchini

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

If you want some summer squash during a U.K. visit, keep an eye out for “courgette” instead of zucchini. The name also lends itself well to British “courgetti”—courgette spaghettie—or as Americans say, “zoodles.” Here’s why Americans and Brits don’t have the same accent.

Shrimp

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

In the United States, there’s a difference between shrimp and prawns; shrimp are small with short legs, while prawns are larger and have more claws. In the United Kingdom though, both of the little crustaceans are almost always called prawns.

Seltzer

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

If you’re looking for sparkling water in Britain, ask for soda water. Americans adopted the names “seltzer water” and “club soda” after World War II, but the original “soda water” name stuck around in the U.K.

Fries

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

Don’t blame your British server if burger and “chips” comes with a side of fries—in the U.K., that’s technically what you asked for. But Brits wouldn’t consider every French fry a chip. Chips specifically have to be thick cut, sort of like steak fries. Those skinny ones you get at American fast food restaurants aren’t true chips. Another thing they don’t like–or even allow? Certain synthetic fats, like these 9 American ingredients that are banned in other countries.

Chips

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

If you actually are dead-set on some American chips, ask for a bag of crisps. Oh, and look for the brand Walkers, which is the British Lay’s brand. Sour cream and onion might be popular in America, but you’re more likely to find cheese and onion in the U.K.

Candy

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

A little packaged good for your candy craving would be called “sweets” or “sweeties” in Britain. Just don’t call that Cadbury’s bar a sweet. Chocolate bars are their own category, but sweets can be any other confection, from fruity gummies to hard toffees.

Cotton candy

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

The spun sugar still gets its “candy” claims in the U.K., where it’s called candy floss. On your way to the circus? Here’s why Americans and Brits drive on opposite sides of the road.

Cookies

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

In the U.K., a cookie specifically refers to a chocolate chip cookie. Anything else would be called a “biscuit.” Biscuits aren’t the chewy cookies you’d find in American bakeries, but have a crisper texture, like shortbread.

Cilantro

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

Cilantro is one of those foods you either love or hate. If you’re in the latter group, steer clear of “coriander” in Great Britain.

Grilled cheese

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

Don’t get disgruntled when you can’t find your favorite comfort food on a British menu. A cheese toastie will give you that same deliciously toasted bread and heavenly melted cheese that you’re looking for. It might be panini-pressed or baked in the oven instead of on a skillet, but it’s guaranteed to satisfy your craving. These 12 brands have hilarious names in other countries.

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Get articles sent right to your inbox

Enjoy the BEST stories, advice & jokes!

Eggplant

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

Brits say “aubergine” instead of “eggplant.” American clothing retailers seem to like the term too. You’ll usually see a dark purple shirt labeled “aubergine,” which we would imagine makes it a better sell than an “eggplant” top.

Ice pops

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

If you think of those frozen treats as an ice lollipop, Brits just take a different chunk of the word and call them ice lollies instead of pops. Perfect your dialect with these 11 British sayings everyone should know.

Sandwich roll

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

A soft, round roll you might consider a burger bun in the U.S. different names in Britain: a bap. Depending on where you are, you might also hear them called barms, cobs, stotties, teacakes, oggies, muffins, and more, according to Express. They’re often eaten at breakfast with one simple meat, topped with ketchup or BBQ sauce-like brown sauce. It’s worth a sandwich if for no other reason than the fun of saying “bacon bap.”

Arugula

Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com, Shutterstock

No, the rocket salad you see on a menu has nothing to do with space travel. “Rocket” is just another name for “arugula.” Here are 10 more words with different meanings in American and England.