American > British Glossary | K
Smoothing and improving transatlantic communication
| Index of Americanisms |
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O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | Briticisms |
 American
term or expression |
 British
equivalent, or explanation |
|---|---|
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Karen [slur eponym] (as in 'there's always a Karen in every group') |
stereotypical privileged but resentful middle-aged white woman who might be perceived as racist |
| kennel (place dog is left during owner's absence) | kennels (plural) |
| kerosene | paraffin |
| ketchup | tomato sauce, ketchup |
| kettle (as in 'fish kettle') | metal cooking pot with lid |
| kibitz (v.) | chat or
comment;
offer unwanted advice, esp. during card games |
| kindergarten (for children 5–6 years old) | infant school |
| kindergartner | infant (UK schoolchild under 7) |
| kitchen counter | kitchen bench, worktop, work surface |
| kitchen shears | kitchen scissors |
| kitchen stove (with oven and grill) | cooker |
| Kleenex™ | tissue, paper handkerchief |
| knickers | knickerbockers, plus fours |
| knock (on) wood (said when hoping for luck) | touch wood |
| knock someone up [slang] (make pregnant) | put in the family way [colloq.] |
| knucklehead [colloq.] (slow-witted, clumsy person) | blockhead, pinhead, jackass, twit [all colloq.], oaf |
