What do British people call actual biscuits?

When it comes to the topic of British cuisine, one of the most confusing aspects for non-Brits is the terminology used to describe certain food items. One such confusing term is "biscuit." While in many English-speaking countries, a biscuit refers to a small, sweet baked good often enjoyed with tea or coffee, in Britain, the term "biscuit" can refer to what Americans would call a cookie. So, what exactly do British people call actual biscuits?

In the UK, what Americans would call biscuits are typically referred to as "scones." Scones are a traditional British baked good that is often enjoyed with clotted cream and jam, especially during afternoon tea. These scones are typically flaky and buttery, quite different from the fluffy, savory biscuits commonly found in the American South. The confusion arises because both American biscuits and British scones are often served as a side to a main dish, such as with breakfast or afternoon tea.

To add to the confusion, there are also a variety of baked goods in Britain that fall under the category of biscuits. These include sweet, crumbly cookies like digestives, custard creams, and bourbon biscuits. While these may resemble what Americans call cookies, the term "biscuit" is used to describe these baked goods in the UK. The variety of biscuits available in British supermarkets is vast, with each region of the UK having its own favorite brands and flavors.

In recent years, the popularity of British biscuits has spread beyond the UK, with many international markets carrying popular brands like McVitie's and Fox's. This has led to a greater understanding of the term "biscuit" in British English, with many non-Brits now understanding that biscuits in the UK can refer to a wide range of sweet baked goods, not just what Americans traditionally think of as biscuits.

In conclusion, the term "biscuit" in British English can be quite confusing for those not familiar with UK culinary terminology. While Americans may think of fluffy, savory biscuits when they hear the word, in the UK, biscuits are most often sweet, crumbly cookies or what Americans might call scones. The best way to navigate this linguistic difference is to keep an open mind and be willing to try the delicious variety of biscuits that British cuisine has to offer. So, next time you find yourself in a British bakery or supermarket, be sure to pick up a pack of biscuits and enjoy a taste of UK tradition.