Flyer Or Flier – British English vs. American English

Ensuring consistency is essential in academic writing, as it provides clarity and a logical flow. However, numerous students find it challenging to differentiate between British English vs. American English, especially when it comes to the accurate spelling of words such as “flyer” and “flier.” These two English variants can be confusing, so keep reading to learn more about their differences.

“Flyer” or “flier”

“Flyer” and “flier” are both terms in the English language that are often confused due to their similar spellings. Essentially, they both function as nouns and refer to either a pamphlet or a person who flies. “Flyer” has an additional meaning, where it refers to a device involved with spinning yarn.

There is a distinction in the usage of “flyer/flier” based on the geographical preference and the context in which they are used. “Flier” was heavily used solely in American English, but over time “flyer” has been very consistently used in both British and American English.

In British English, the more prominent spelling is “flyer”. In modern American English, the more preferred spelling tends to be “flier.” However, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, the Guardian, and Oxford Dictionaries state “flyer” as the standard spelling for most cases, which is probably why this variant is also heavily used in American English nowadays.

So why is there a change in spelling if both forms can be used in American English? “Flyer” is generally considered the original word, while “flier” with an “-ie” instead of the “-y” is regarded as an Americanization. Usually, if a word starts with “-y,” it changes to an “-ie” when you add a suffix, e.g., “fly” becomes “flies.”

Examples of using “flyer” and “flier” as a noun

The subsequent example sentences will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the noun “flyer/flier” in British and American English.

• British English: “Flyer”
• American English: “Flyer/Flier”

You might have noticed the different spelling of “manoeuvre” or “maneuver” in the last sentence. Both words have the same definition, but are used differently depending on the dialect.

“Flier” as an idiomatic expression

In the United States, “take a flier” is an informal idiom that means “to take a risky chance” or “to gamble on something risky.” It often implies a decision made with the understanding that there’s a significant chance of failure, but the potential reward makes the risk worth considering. This saying is often used in combination with the preposition “on.”

The phrase likely stems from the concept of a “flyer” being something that flies through the air and is a metaphor for taking a big, bold leap in decision-making. The use of “flier” in this phrase follows the American spelling convention, although both “flyer” and “flier” are used interchangeably.