Tag: American english

In the United States, the blocky, mild-flavored fruit is almost universally referred to as a **bell pepper**, though it is known as capsicum in other parts of the world. This regional naming is a source of confusion for many international travelers and home cooks alike, but the botanical classification remains the same.

The word "beet" comes from the Old English term 'bēte', which is a variation of the ancient Latin 'beta'. In North America, this historical root is retained as the preferred name for the vegetable, whereas the term "beetroot" is standard in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. This simple difference in terminology often leads to confusion for international travelers or anyone following recipes from different English-speaking countries.

The slang term "vegie" or its more common spelling "veggie" has been in use since as early as 1955. What is a vegie slang? The answer is not simple, as it can refer to a variety of informal concepts, from a shortening of a common food item to a specific description of a person's behavior, depending on the context and region.

In the United States, the single word 'starch' can have multiple meanings depending on its application. So, what do Americans call starch when referring to food, laundry, or even a person's demeanor? Context is everything.