The British term for "vacation" is holiday.
In the United Kingdom, people commonly refer to a period of time spent away from work or school for rest, recreation, or travel as a holiday. This terminology is also prevalent in other Commonwealth countries such as Canada and Australia, standing in contrast to American English where the term "vacation" is predominantly used.
Understanding "Holiday" in British English
The word "holiday" in British English fully encompasses the meaning of a break from routine, leisure time, or a trip, equivalent to what Americans call a "vacation." Its usage is versatile and appears in various contexts:
- Going on holiday: This common phrase means taking a trip or a break.
- Example: "We're going on holiday to Italy next summer."
- Bank holiday: These are public holidays in the UK, when banks and most businesses are closed. They are often used by people to extend weekend breaks.
- Example: "There's a bank holiday coming up, so we'll have a long weekend."
- School holidays: These are periods when schools are closed for breaks throughout the year, such as the widely anticipated summer holidays or the half-term breaks.
- Example: "The children are counting down the days until the school holidays start."
"Holiday" vs. "Vacation": A Linguistic Comparison
While both terms describe the same concept of a leisure period, their preferred usage is a key indicator of regional English dialects.
| Feature | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Common Term | Vacation | Holiday |
| Typical Phrase | "Go on vacation" | "Go on holiday" |
| Common Abbreviation | "Vacay" | "Hols" |
| Example Sentence | "I really need a vacation." | "I really need a holiday." |
| Public Break Term | "National holiday" / "Federal holiday" | "Bank holiday" / "Public holiday" |
The Abbreviation: "Hols"
In informal British English, it is very common to use the abbreviation "hols" for "holidays." This shorter form is frequently used in casual conversation, especially among friends and family, and reflects the relaxed nature of the break being discussed.
- Example: "Can't wait for the Christmas hols this year!"
Understanding these regional linguistic differences is essential for effective communication between speakers of various English dialects. While the underlying concept remains consistent, the specific terminology used varies significantly.
Explore more about British English vocabulary and phrases.
