🌍 American vs British · vocabulary

silverware vs cutlery

The knives, forks, and spoons used for eating.

American
silverware

“Can you set out the silverware while I bring the plates to the table?”

British
cutlery

“Can you set out the cutlery while I bring the plates to the table?”

Good to know

Americans call eating utensils "silverware" (even when they are stainless steel), whereas Britons say "cutlery." In the UK, "silverware" usually refers to actual silver items or to sporting trophies.

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