Biscuits and Chips...

Today we return to the confusing matter of language; specifically, some of the differences between British English and American English - even if there is no such official language!  Previously, I listed some of the features of car, but this time we will look at some food terminology.  I will list the American terms first.


Chips - In the UK, not those things found in packets in the stores, but good ol' French Fries!  That's why we have fish and chip shops.  American potato chips are called crisps across the pond, and come in a wide variety of flavours (different usually from American flavours), including cheese and onion, smokey bacon, and Bovril.  If you don't remember what Bovril is, just Google it!

Zucchini - Americans are familiar only with the Italian name for this vegetable, but the British know it by the French name - courgette.

Eggplant - Another vegetable common in both countries, but called totally different things.  Again, the British know it by the French name, which is the aubergine.

Soda (soda pop) - The term soda in the UK is used either for bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), or for soda water (club soda or seltzer).  Soda pop is just included under the generic term of soft drinks.  This includes soda pop, squashes (cordials), and other non-carbonated beverages.  Some sodas that will probably be unfamiliar to Americans are Tizer, Vimto, Irn Bru (pronounced "Iron Brew" with a Scottish accent!), and Dandelion and Burdock.  There is also a soda called Lemonade, which is simply a white soda like Sprite or Seven-Up.

Cookies - Although this term is used in Britain, it usually describes chocolate chip cookies only.  All cookies (as known to Americans) are called biscuits..  There is a much wider variety of biscuits found across the pond than here in the US.

Of course, they are a sweet treat, but there are several varieties that really aren't that sweet at all.  Many of these fall under the category of tea biscuits, which invariably accompany a cup of tea (or coffee).  Perhaps the best known tea biscuits are Rich Tea and Marie.  The latter can be found in the Hispanic section of many American supermarkets, under the name of  Maria.  Of the sweeter varieties, some popular ones are Bourbon Creams, Custard Creams, Chocolate Digestive (plain Digestive are also found), Nice, Gypsy Creams, and Malted Milk.

Now, you are probably wondering what we call American biscuits in England?  Well, the answer is simple; we don't have them!  The closest thing would be a scone, which is usually sweet with dried fruit in it, and is certainly not served with gravy!