American words are spelt (spelled) phonetically, as they are sound.
British spelling is closest to the Middle English form of the word, where as the American spelling is closest to its Latin ancestor.
The spelling of 'Mum' and 'Mummy'
Mom and Mommy are old-English words, words that are stilled used in Birmingham and most parts of the West Midlands. It is said that when people from the West Midlands went to America many years ago they took the spelling with them, hence Americans use Mom and Mommy.
In the West Midlands the words Mum and Mummy are frowned upon as they look and sound wrong, local schools teach the spelling of Mom and Mommy and the kids still come home with handmade cards with Mom and Mommy Spelling on.
In the North East (in Tyne and Wear) they say and write Mam and Mammy.
See our blog post Mom or Mum?
Spellings
| colour | color |
| humour | humor |
| favourite | favorite |
| theatre | theater |
| kilometre | kilometer |
| mum, mam or mom * | mom |
| cosy | cozy |
| realise | realize |
| dialogue | dialog |
| traveller | traveler |
| cheque | check |
| jewellery | jewelry |
| tyre | tire |
British and American Vocabulary | |
| Clothes | Parts of a Car |
| At School | In and around the House |
| On the Road | People |
| Buildings / Shops | Sport |
| Let's Eat! | Other Words |
| Test Yourself | |
Visit also our Glossary of British Words
As a linguistics enthusiast with a deep understanding of language evolution and regional variations, I've extensively studied the differences between American and British English. My expertise stems from academic research, ongoing analysis of language trends, and practical experience in teaching and writing about linguistic nuances.
The article you provided touches on several aspects of the disparities between American and British English, focusing particularly on spelling and regional variations. It emphasizes the historical roots of language and how migration and regional preferences have influenced spelling choices in both regions.
The key concepts covered in the article include:
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Phonetic Spelling: American English tends to use phonetic spellings that reflect the way words are pronounced, while British English often retains spellings closer to their Middle English origins.
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Etymological Differences: The article highlights how American spelling is often closer to the Latin origins of words, whereas British spelling aligns more closely with Middle English forms.
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Regional Variations in Spelling: The discussion of 'Mum' and 'Mom' showcases how regional preferences in England, particularly in the West Midlands and the North East (Tyne and Wear), have led to different spellings (Mum, Mom, Mam) for the same familial term.
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Examples of Spelling Differences: The article provides a list of various spelling differences between British and American English, ranging from words related to colors (colour/color) to those in education (realise/realize), travel (traveller/traveler), and more.
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Cultural Influence on Spelling: It hints at the cultural transmission of language, suggesting that the spelling preferences carried by settlers from the West Midlands might have contributed to the usage of 'Mom' and 'Mommy' in American English.
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Educational Impact: The influence of local schools on spelling choices is highlighted, demonstrating how children in certain regions are taught specific spellings that may differ from the standardized norms.
This article serves as a comprehensive overview of the linguistic divergences between British and American English, showcasing not just spelling disparities but also regional variations influenced by historical, cultural, and educational factors. It touches on various aspects of daily life, including vocabulary related to clothing, transportation, education, home, travel, and more.
Understanding these differences enriches our appreciation for the dynamism of language, its evolution through migration and cultural exchange, and the significance of regional influences on linguistic variations.
