How Do British Say Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to travel, the British have some unique vocabulary. One of the most notable differences between British English and American English is how they say “vacation”.

In America, we typically use the word “vacation” to refer to time away from work or school. But, in Britain, the word “holiday” is more commonly used.

Why do the British say holiday instead of vacation?

It’s unclear exactly why Brits use “holiday” instead of “vacation”. Some theories suggest that it may have to do with the fact that the British traditionally took time off work during religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Others suggest that it may be because of the influence of French language on English.

Regardless of its origins, “holiday” is now firmly rooted in British vocabulary. If you’re planning a trip to Britain or communicating with British friends or colleagues about your upcoming vacation, it’s important to understand this difference in terminology.

Other travel-related vocabulary differences between American and British English

If you’re traveling from America to Britain (or vice versa), there are a few other vocabulary differences you should be aware of:

  • In America, we use the term “restroom” or “bathroom” for public toilets. In Britain, they use “toilet”, “loo”, or even “water closet”.
  • In America, we call it a “subway” or “metro”.

    In Britain, they call it the “underground” or simply the “tube”.

  • In America, we refer to gasoline as “gas” or “petrol”. In Britain, they use the term “petrol” exclusively.

Conclusion:

While there are many similarities between American and British English, there are also some notable differences – especially when it comes to travel-related vocabulary. Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively when traveling or working with colleagues from different parts of the world. So, next time you’re planning a trip to the UK, remember to use the word “holiday” instead of “vacation”!