Briticism

[ brit-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. a word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of or restricted to British English, especially as compared with American English, as lift compared with elevator or in hospital with in the hospital.

Briticism

/ ˈbrɪtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to Britain or its people

Word History and Origins

Origin of Briticism¹

1865–70, Americanism; British + -ism, with -ic for -ish on the model of Gallicism, etc.

Example Sentences

To use a Briticism, it was “cruel”; the corresponding Americanism was more appropriate—it was “fierce.”

From Project Gutenberg

This phrase, of course, is a Briticism, and seldom used in America.

From Project Gutenberg

In the one case the Briticism is the shorter, and in the other the Americanism.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the difference between the Americanism and Briticism is very slight.

From Project Gutenberg