American English can sound surprisingly different from one part of the country to another. Someone in Philadelphia may order a hoagie, while someone in New York asks for a sub. A person in the South might grab a buggy at the grocery store, while someone elsewhere reaches for a shopping cart.
These differences usually come from regional history, immigration, local traditions, and the way words change as they’re passed from one generation to the next. Some terms are strongly tied to a particular area, while others are simply personal preferences.
Here are 23 everyday things that Americans may call by different names depending on where they live.
Soda vs. Pop vs. Coke
One of the best-known language differences in the U.S. involves carbonated soft drinks. In many parts of the country, people say “soda,” while “pop” is common across much of the Midwest and parts of the North.
In parts of the South, you may also hear “Coke” used as a general word for a soft drink, even when the drink isn’t actually Coca-Cola.
So if someone asks whether you want a Coke, the next question might be, “What kind?”
Related: 15 Classic American Traditions That Are Slowly Disappearing
Sneakers vs. Tennis Shoes
The shoes you wear for running errands, exercising, or walking around town can have several names.
“Sneakers” is common throughout much of the country, while “tennis shoes” is especially familiar in parts of the South and Southeast. The two terms usually refer to the same general type of casual or athletic footwear.
The word “sneakers” dates back to the late 19th century and refers to soft-soled shoes that made it possible to walk quietly.
Bathroom vs. Restroom
Americans use both “bathroom” and “restroom,” but the choice can depend on the setting.
“Bathroom” is common in everyday conversation, including when someone is at home or visiting another person’s house. “Restroom” tends to sound more formal and is often used for facilities in restaurants, stores, offices, airports, and other public places.
You might ask where the bathroom is at a friend’s house but look for a restroom sign at a shopping center.
Related: 11 American Snacks Foreign Visitors Always Want to Try
Highway vs. Freeway
A major road can be called a highway, freeway, expressway, or turnpike depending on where you are.
“Freeway” is especially common in California and some western states, while “highway” is widely used across the country. The terms don’t always describe exactly the same type of road, either.
A freeway is generally a controlled-access road without regular intersections or traffic lights, while “highway” is a broader term that can describe many types of major roads.
Backpack vs. Bookbag
A student carrying school supplies may have a “backpack” or “bookbag,” depending on the speaker.
“Backpack” is the more widespread term across the U.S., while “bookbag” remains common in parts of the South and some other regions.
Both words are easy to understand, but hearing “bookbag” can sometimes give you a clue about where a speaker grew up.
Purse vs. Handbag
“Purse” and “handbag” are often interchangeable in American conversation, although people may have personal preferences about the two words.
“Purse” is especially common in casual American speech. “Handbag” can sound a little more formal and may refer to a particular style or size of bag.
Unlike some regional differences, this one often comes down to individual preference rather than a clear state-by-state divide.
Related: 16 American Cities With the Fewest Parks and Green Spaces
Diaper vs. Nappy
This one isn’t really an American regional difference, but it is a familiar divide between American and British English.
Americans generally say “diaper,” while people in Britain and several other English-speaking countries use “nappy.”
The two words describe the same item, but they come from different language histories. The difference is a good reminder that English can vary quite a bit even between countries that share the same language.
Pacifier vs. Binky
Most Americans use the word “pacifier” for the small item given to babies for soothing. “Binky” is a more informal term that is familiar to many parents and families.
“Binky” is sometimes used as a generic name because of its association with pacifier products and has become a common nickname in some households.
You may hear a parent use either word, and both are usually easy to understand.
Trash Can vs. Garbage Can vs. Bin
Americans have several ways to describe the container used for household waste. “Trash can” and “garbage can” are both common, with preferences varying by region and family.
“Bin” is also used, though it tends to be less common as the everyday name for a household garbage container in the U.S. than it is in Britain.
Some people also use “trash bin” or “garbage bin,” especially for larger outdoor containers.
Sub vs. Hoagie vs. Grinder
Few regional food names are as famous as the different names for a long sandwich.
In New York and much of the country, “sub” is common. Philadelphia is famous for the word “hoagie,” while “grinder” is strongly associated with parts of New England.
The sandwich itself may contain similar ingredients: meat, cheese, vegetables, and condiments on a long roll, but the name can change dramatically from one city to another.
Shopping Cart vs. Buggy
At a grocery store, most Americans ask for or refer to a “shopping cart.” In parts of the South, though, “buggy” is still widely used.
The word “buggy” can sound unusual to someone from another part of the country, but it has been part of Southern speech for generations.
Travel to Britain and you’ll encounter another word for the same thing: “trolley.”
Washcloth vs. Facecloth
That small square cloth used for washing your face can be called a “washcloth” or “facecloth.”
“Washcloth” is widely used throughout the U.S., while “facecloth” can be heard more often in parts of New England and in communities influenced by Canadian or British vocabulary.
The two terms generally describe the same basic item.
College vs. University
Americans often use “college” as a broad term for higher education, even when the school they attend is technically a university.
There is a formal distinction between the two. Universities typically offer undergraduate and graduate programs and may contain several colleges or schools. Colleges can be smaller institutions focused primarily on undergraduate education.
In everyday conversation, though, an American might say, “I’m going to college,” whether they’re attending a small liberal arts college or a large university.
Vacation vs. Holiday
Americans usually use “vacation” to describe time away from work or school for travel, relaxation, or recreation.
“Holiday” generally refers to a special day or period such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Independence Day.
In Britain and several other English-speaking countries, “holiday” can also mean a vacation. That’s why an American and a British speaker can use the same word while talking about completely different plans.
ATM vs. Cash Machine
“ATM” is the standard American term for the machine used to withdraw cash, check balances, or complete other banking transactions.
“Cash machine” is much more common in Britain and some other countries. You may occasionally hear it in the U.S., but it isn’t the usual term for most Americans.
ATM stands for “automated teller machine,” which has become so familiar that many people use the abbreviation without thinking about what the letters mean.
Lawyer vs. Attorney
“Lawyer” and “attorney” are often treated as synonyms in everyday American speech.
A lawyer is someone trained and licensed to practice law, while “attorney” is commonly used for someone who is authorized to act on another person’s behalf in legal matters. In ordinary conversation, though, most people use the two words interchangeably.
You might ask someone to recommend a good lawyer, while a law firm may describe its staff as attorneys.
Fries vs. Chips
Americans usually call thin strips of fried potatoes “fries.” “Chips” generally refers to thin, crispy potato slices sold in bags.
This is another area where American and British English differ. In Britain, “chips” are the thick-cut fried potatoes that Americans call fries, while “crisps” are what Americans usually call potato chips.
So ordering chips in London won’t get you the same thing you’d receive at an American restaurant.
Closet vs. Wardrobe
Americans usually call the built-in space where clothes are stored a “closet.” The word “wardrobe” is more often used for a freestanding piece of furniture or in British English.
Some American families still use “wardrobe,” particularly when referring to a large piece of furniture with doors and shelves or hanging space.
The two words can overlap, but “closet” is the clear everyday favorite in most of the U.S.
Couch vs. Sofa
“Couch” and “sofa” are two names for a piece of furniture made for sitting or lounging.
“Couch” tends to sound more casual and is extremely common in American homes. “Sofa” is also widely used and may sound a little more formal to some speakers.
Both words have long histories. “Couch” comes from a French word associated with lying down, while “sofa” entered English through languages influenced by Arabic.
Faucet vs. Spigot
Most Americans call the fixture that controls water flow a “faucet,” especially inside the kitchen or bathroom.
“Spigot” is also used, often for an outdoor water tap. In rural areas, you might hear someone refer to the outdoor faucet by this name.
There can be some regional overlap, so the distinction isn’t strict. A person may use “faucet” and “spigot” interchangeably depending on the situation.
Roundabout vs. Traffic Circle
Drivers encounter several names for circular intersections, including “roundabout” and “traffic circle.”
“Roundabout” has become common throughout much of the country, particularly for newer circular intersections. “Traffic circle” is strongly associated with parts of New York and New Jersey.
The terms can also describe different designs. Modern roundabouts typically require entering drivers to yield to traffic already circulating, while older traffic circles may operate differently.
Overalls vs. Dungarees
The denim workwear with straps over the shoulders is usually called “overalls” in the U.S.
“Dungarees” is an older term that was once much more common and is still familiar to some older Americans and speakers of British English. The word is associated with durable work clothing and denim.
Today, “overalls” is the term you’re most likely to hear in an American clothing store, whether the garment is being worn for work, gardening, or fashion.
Why American English Has So Many Regional Names
The U.S. is a huge country with communities that have developed their own speech patterns over generations. Migration, immigration, local history, neighboring states, advertising, television, and family traditions have all played a role.
That’s why a simple trip across the country can introduce you to words you rarely hear at home. You might buy a soda in one state, a pop in another, and a Coke somewhere else, all while ordering the same drink.
These regional differences aren’t just quirks. They’re a small reminder of how much local history can live inside everyday words.
