Over the past few days, the BBC has been ranting about what writer Matthew Engel called "ugly and pointless" ways American usage differs from British English. They even collected a list of 50 American words and expressions that Brits find annoying, irritating, and even infuriating. It includes things like:
"Can I get a ... " (as a way to ask for something)
"24/7" (to say 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
"Going forward" (to mean from now on)
"Bi-weekly" (to say once every two weeks)
There have been plenty of responses to the list, both from people who support the annoyed Brits, and those who defend the Americans. Whichever side you fall on, these are some great examples of the (often unexpected) ways British and American English are different.