Tag: British english

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.

By 1928, the phrase 'not have a bean' was formally recorded, describing having no money. This idiom highlights the colorful and food-related nature of English figurative language, with "bean" likely representing something of negligible value. Understanding such expressions provides deeper insight into the historical and cultural nuances of the English language.

The term 'yam' is widely misused in North America, leading to significant global confusion regarding this specific root vegetable. This article clarifies what do English people call yams by detailing the distinct tropical tuber they refer to and differentiating it from the commonly mistaken sweet potato.