Food names

There is always a fight between the USA and the UK. There are a lot of things that the two mega nations do differently. And there are differences in the way that they spell the same word. Moreover, the food names are also different for the same kinds of foods. Here is a list of nine food items that have different names in the USA and the UK.

The gastronomy terminology

American and English way of writing English is different. The American word spellings are same as they are pronounced. While the English word spellings have a word or two more added to them. The two countries beg to differ on a lot of things in life including gastronomy terminology. The food names of certain food dishes are different in the two nations though they are made from the same ingredients and taste also same.

Food names
Aubergine or eggplant (Source: Kew gardens)

For those traveling across the Atlantic, these names of food dishes in the two countries would be useful. Otherwise, the traveler may not be able to find the food dish that he or she wants to order. The American and British food menus might carry different names for the same food dish. Hence, know them in advance to prevent any confusion and problems.

Eggplant or aubergine

What eggplant means in the USA is aubergine in the UK. The latter term has Arabian, French and Catalan origin. There are some who say that eggplant term is used only for the white varieties of brinjal. But the fact is that eggplant and aubergine are used interchangeably irrespective whether they are purple, white or green in color.

Courgette or Zucchini

English term is Courgette while the Americans call it Zucchini. The former term originated in France while the latter comes from Italy. It means the same: green gourd or summer squash.

Coriander or Cilantro

English call it coriander while the Americans prefer to name it cilantro. But in the USA, coriander implies the grounded spice while the leaves and stems are called Cilantro.

Food names
Ice lollies or popsicles (Source: Sainsbury’s magazine)

Muesli or Granola

Muesli has rolled oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruits in it. It started in Switzerland and got popular everywhere. In the UK, they retained the term while the Americans prefer to call it granola. Their yoghurt parfait has oats with nuts, seeds, sugar, and fruits in yoghurt.

French fries or chips

French fries has its origin in Belgium. Americans call it French fries while the Britishers prefer to name it chips. The thicker potato slices or wedges in the UK are chips while the thinner slices are crisps.

Shrimps or prawns

Shrimps and prawns are two different species of crustaceans. But in the USA, they call both varieties shrimps. And in the UK, they use the term prawns for both species.

Food names
Arugula or rocket (Source: Pinterest)

Ice lolly or posicle

Frozen fruit juice on sticks is ice lolly in the UK while the Americans call it popsicles.

Romaine or Cos

Lettuce is found in both countries. But in the USA, they call it Romaine whereas in the UK, they name it Cos.

Read here: Green leafy vegetables and arugula and renal health!

Arugula or rocket

This is a peppery green leafy vegetable. In the USA, they prefer the Italian derived word Arugula. But in Great Britain, they call it Rocket. This comes from the French word for it, roquette.