American English vs. British English: The Shopping Edition

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This month’s American English vs. British English blog post theme is shopping. 

Click here to read an overview of the main differences between American English and British English spelling, and here for more detailed information.

Here are 20 shopping-themed words in American English and British English:

  1. allowance – pocket money 
  2. bill – note 
  3. bookstore – bookshop 
  4. cart – trolley 
  5. check – bill 
  6. coin purse, change purse – purse 
  7. currency exchange – bureau de change 
  8. DIY shop – home improvement store
  9. drugstore– chemist
  10. gift certificate – gift voucher, gift token
  11. line – queue 
  12. liquor store – off licence 
  13. mall – shopping centre
  14. purse – handbag 
  15. rummage sale – jumble sale
  16. sales clerk – shop assistant 
  17. sales slip, receipt – receipt 
  18. store – shop 
  19. strip mall, shopping strip – parade of shops
  20. thrift store – charity shop


How many more can you think of?

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22 Jul 2021
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"I would like to thank you so much for this great website. I have always been ashamed of my spelling but after a few lessons I am already better. It is filling in all the gaps. Thanks."

Student, France