I think this is a good idea. Should probably be a separate community wiki, the Terminology IndexTerminology Index is already long enough, and this is a separate issue, primarily with terms people already know perfectly well in their own dialect.
Where possible, suggest a neutral non-confusing term.
I don't think "tires"/"tyres" or "curb"/"kerb" really require any explaining, it seems like they're mutually understandable between the two countries, even if one spelling looks strange.
It's stuff like "pavement" that needs the differences explained. I've definitely seen confusion over the differences in definition of this word.
So, what terms do UK people need US people to explain, and vice-versa?
Here's a start at some terms that seem to have confused people over meaning differences:
- US: pavement (concrete)
- UK: pavement (walkway/sidewalk)
- US: sidewalk (confusing to UK reader? - we watch Hollywood movies too...)
- UK: tarmac (road surface)
- US: asphalt (road surface)
- US: cement (commonly mis-used in US to mean concrete)
- US: public transit / UK: public transport
- US: fenders (mudguards)
- UK: mudguards (fenders)
- US: Wrench / UK: Spanner
- US: Hex Wrench / UK: Allen Key
- US: Yield / UK: Give Way
- US: Crankset / UK: Chainset
