list of differing terms in dialect:

[hope]

edited 5th august
new or edited entries in italics

american first, australian second:

jelly = jam
candy = lollies (brit: sweets)
pop = soft drink
soda = soft drink
pepper = capsicum
hot pepper = chilli
jumper = pinafore
sweater = jumper
subway = train (brit: generally 'underground'? tube)
sneakers, tennis shoes = runners, trainers
cell phone = mobile phone
diapers = nappies
binder = folder
purse = hand bag
cookies = biscuits
convenience store = milk bar
store = shop
mall = shopping centre
CENTER = CENTRE
mom = mum
pop = grandpa, sometimes 'poppa'
college = university
grades = marks
math = maths
sharpie = permanent marker
american = yankee, yank
pumps = high heels
aluminum = aluminium
drug store = chemist (or pharmacy)
diner = cafe
stockings = socks
cool! = grouse
grousing = whinging
antsy = pissed off
drunk = pissed
vulva = fanny
fanny = arse
ass = arse
ass = bum
fanny pack = bum bag
(um, that was us brainstorming around the room and degenerating into giggles)
prom = formal
sofa = couch
bathroom = toilet
going steady = going out
trailer = caravan
gas = petrol
trunks, swimsuit = bathers, swimmers, togs
parking lot = car park
thong = g-string
flip-flops = thongs
wife-beater = singlet
tank = singlet top
undershirt = vest
thermals = long johns, thermal underwear
cops = police
cop = policeman
panties = knickers, undies
kleenex = tissue
jeans jacket = denim jacket
nightstand = bedside table
pinafore = apron
tunic = pinafore
trunk = boot [car]
fall = autumn
trousers = pants
faucet = tap
wrench = spanner
duvet = doona
comforter = doona
jello = jelly
bangs = fringe [FRODO DOES NOT HAVE 'BANGS'!!1]
lemonade = home-made lemonade
sprite = lemonade (the generic name - "sprite" is a brand of lemonade) note: in Australia, sprite isn't lemon-lime flavoured, it's clear and is essentially heavily sugared carbonated water. Do you have an alternative in the US?
report card = report
coke = soft drink
popsicle = icy pole
pacifier/binkie = dummy
retainer = plate
gas station = service station
biscuit = scone
eraser = rubber


i must go to bed now, but add more in the comments if i've left them out and i'll edit them into the entry when i can :)

Comments

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

Southerners say Flip Flops! Here in the mid-west they're also called rubber sandals. (Gah.)

Southerners also say coke=soft drink. Coca Cola is a major industry and a cultural icon in the South (where I was born and raised) so 'coke' has become the generic name for all things sweet and carbonated.

"What kind of coke do ya'll want?"

"A Pepsi, please."

[trianne.livejournal.com]

Course, I meant southerner as in south of England, lol. And they are a weird breed ;)
But yes, I go into a pub and ask for a diet coke and all they serve is Pepsi but it's just automatic to ask for a coke.

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

Whups! Well, the South in America is practically England anyway. Yay, penal colonies!

[lindz04.livejournal.com]

Southerners say Flip Flops! Here in the mid-west they're also called rubber sandals.

Hmm... never heard of flip flops being called rubber sandals, and I'm from the midwest.

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm, I hear it mainly in Minnesota. Or is that more North than Mid-west?

[lindz04.livejournal.com]

I'm from Minnesota, which is North-Midwest, and no one has called them rubber sandals. Sandals, yes, but not rubber sandals.

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

I swear to GAAAAAAAHD, I heard it here! *cries*

[charlietudor.livejournal.com]

"Flip flops" are also known as "shower shoes" around the 'Burgh.

Ha, I remember that from living briefly in Mississippi--"I'll have a coke." "What kind you want? We got orange, and Sprite, and root beer..."

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

I got some weeeeeird looks from people for using that outside of the South. Muaha, suffer!