Although English is a language understood in the whole world, there are some differences nonetheless. Especially when comparing British English vs. American English, you will find many words being used differently or even completely replaced. An example of a variation in the use of a word can be found in “biscuit” or “cookie.” Surprisingly, you can not sort these two into either British or American English, but use them in both. How this is working will be explained in this article.
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“Biscuit” and “cookie” in general refer to a sweet, crispy baked treat, mostly served with tea or other afternoon drinks. However, it is far more complicated than just splitting these two into British English and American English, for both words are used in both languages for partly different things.
The British “biscuit” is a flat and crispy pastry, ideal for applying decorations. The dough is stiff, perfect for cutting out different shapes, and less sweet than its American equivalent. The American “biscuit,” however, is a sweet, leavened bread similar to the British scone.
In Britain, a “cookie” is a larger, softer, and chewier pastry, often loaded with chunky ingredients like chocolate chips, raisins, and other sweet things. In America, a “cookie” refers to every sweet, crispy baked pastry. Both the British “biscuit” and “cookie” are called “cookie” in America.
British English
biscuit
(cookie)
American English
cookie
(biscuit)
While both spellings are correct, the choice depends on the variant of English being employed. To guarantee coherence and avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to use the spelling that aligns with your chosen variant or the product you want to describe.
Examples of using “biscuit” and “cookie” as a noun
The following examples will demonstrate the linguistic divergence of the noun “biscuit/cookie” in British and American English.
- British English: biscuit
- American English: cookie
- I am baking biscuits tomorrow.
- The biscuits they had at the party were delicious.
- Unfortunately, there is only one biscuit left in the box.
- I am baking cookies tomorrow.
- The cookies they had at the party were delicious.
- Unfortunately, there is only one cookie left in the box.
Etymology and origin
The existence of both terms is a result of the natural evolution of language and regional variations. English has many examples of words that have developed differently in British and American English due to cultural influences, migration, and the natural divergence of the English language over time. “Biscuit” and “cookie” in general both refer to a flat, crispy baked good. Below, we’ll explain each word’s origin and etymology.
The word “biscuit” originates from the Latin term “bis coquet,” which means “twice baked.” In the past times, the dough for the biscuits was baked as a loaf first, before it was cut into smaller slices, and then baked again until crispy. In the Middle Ages, the word was adjusted to a more French sound, being called “biscuite,” from which the now-existing term “biscuit” derived.
“Cookie” derives from the Dutch “koekje,” which means “little cake.” Remembering that cookies are often of a chewier texture, in Britain as well as in America, the description is quite fitting.
Note: A third term for crispy baked pastries is “cracker.” This word is sometimes used as a synonym for “cookie” in America. In general, however, a cracker is thin and crispy, but oftentimes not sweet but salty and topped with seeds or spices.
FAQs
“Cookie” is the American equivalent of the British “biscuit.” However, the British also use the word “cookie” for a softer, chewier biscuit, that is loaded with chunky toppings.
The term “biscuit” originates from the Latin, “bis” and “coquere,” which mean “twice baked”. This is the case because in the past, biscuits were baked as a loaf first, and then divided into slices, which were then baked again and dried out.
In America, a biscuit refers to a small, leavened cake similar to the British scone.
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