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5 days ago
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Britons and Americans may both speak English, but it's safe to say that our languages are very different.
While people in the UK might go on holiday, wear a pair of trousers, or walk on the pavement, people across the pond would go on vacation, wear a pair of pants, or walk on the sidewalk.
But these two worlds are colliding, according to a new study.
Researchers from Northern Arizona University have found that several 'Britishisms' are now being regularly used by Americans.
In their study, the team analysed an enormous database of words used by Americans.
Their analysis revealed the 'bonkers' is the most widely used Britishism, with Americans using the term to describe everything from chaotic sports moments to political scandals and viral trends.
'It's no coincidence that "bonkers" has become the standout winner among Britishisms in the US,' said Esteban Touma, a linguistic expert at Babbel, which commissioned the research.
'This term, with its whimsical edge, perfectly aligns with how Gen Z communicates - capturing the absurdity and excitement of modern life.'
Britons and Americans may both speak English, but it's safe to say that our languages are very different
The most popular 'Britishisms' being used by Americans
- Bonkers (24%)
- Amongst (14%)
- Queue (13%)
- Wonky (11%)
- Cheeky (10%)
- Snarky (10%)
- Cheers (6%)
- Keen (5%)
- Maths (3%)
- Nil (2%)
In the study, the researchers set out to understand the exchange of words between the US and the UK.
'Whilst slang on either side of the Atlantic evolves distinctly, the exchange of words is very much a two-way street,' Mr Touma said.
The team analysed a database containing 5 million transcribed words and 1,000 hours of spoken American English, collected between January 2023 and October 2024.
'Bonkers' - meaning absurd or wildly extreme - topped the list, accounting for 24 per cent of all Britishisms identified.
This word proved particularly popular among Gen Z and women - with a whopping 90 per cent of those who used the term being female.
'Bonkers' was followed by 'amongst' (14 per cent), 'queue' (13 per cent), 'wonky' (11 per cent), and 'cheeky' (10 per cent).
Americans also enjoyed using 'snarky' (10 per cent), 'cheers' (six per cent), 'keen' (five per cent), 'maths' (three per cent), and 'nil' (two per cent).
Meanwhile, several other Britishisms were also on the up - including 'nutter', 'trousers', 'b**ger', 'dodgy', 'kerfuffle', 'posh', 'aggro', 'banter', 'bo****ks', and 'flummox'.
According to Mr Touma, the prevalence of Britishisms in the US is a reflection of 'cultural globalisation'
'British TV shows like Love Island and global music icons like Charli XCX are doing more than entertaining: they're exporting language and fuelling cultural exchange,' Mr Touma said
According to Mr Touma, the prevalence of Britishisms in the US is a reflection of 'cultural globalisation'.
'British TV shows like Love Island and global music icons like Charli XCX are doing more than entertaining: they're exporting language and fuelling cultural exchange,' he said.
'Streaming giants like Netflix and Apple TV have further amplified this phenomenon, bringing British shows (like the recent smash-hit Adolescence) into American dorms and homes.
'Meanwhile, viral internet trends and British celebrities have turned British phrases into digital currency, signalling membership in a shared global community.
'In fact, the rise of Britishisms could herald a new British invasion of the kind experienced in the Punk and Britpop eras.
'It’s not just about adopting new words - it’s about embracing a shared culture.
'As British culture continues to resonate globally, terms like "bonkers" are cementing their place as markers of a cultural and linguistic evolution without boundaries.'
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER USE FULL STOPS IN TEXT MESSAGES
You may think of emoji as silly additions to text messages, but a new study has revealed that the characters can help convey meaning.
The study found that far from being annoying, smiley faces, as well as abbreviations and acronyms, are valuable additions to text messages.
But ending messages with a full stop people was found to be a heartless move that changed the meaning of texts.
Researchers from Binghampton University in New York suggest that new additions to written communication called 'textisms' like LOL and CUL8 are not sloppy nor a sign that written language is dying a death, but provide vital clues only usually found in face-to-face meetings.
Even the use of slang such as 'yeah', 'yup' and 'nope' in text messages provides telltale signs of someone's real emotions and feelings.
Professor Celia Klin, lead author of the study, said: 'In contrast with face-to-face conversation, texters can't rely on extra-linguistic cues such as tone of voice and pauses, or non-linguistic cues such as facial expressions and hand gestures.'
In a spoken conversation, the cues aren't simply add-ons to our words; they convey critical information.
'A facial expression or a rise in the pitch of our voices can entirely change the meaning of our words.
'One way that texters add meaning to their words is by using textisms - things like emoticons, irregular spellings (sooooo) and irregular use of punctuation (!!!)', she said.
An earlier study by Dr Klin found that text messages ending with a full stop are seen as less sincere than text messages that do not end with a period.
These results suggest that punctuation can misconstrue or influence the meaning of text messages.
Skipping punctuation indicates you are answering more spontaneously and heartfelt.
The new study found that full stops are increasingly being replaced with abbreviations, emoticons and the even more recent trend of emoji which include pictures of a cake for someone's birthday or a pint of beer for a night out.
