14 Commonly Confused Things

Jam and jelly are similar, but they’re not quite the same. Watch the latest episode of The List Show to learn the differences between those and other commonly confused pairs.

This or that?
This or that? | Prostock-studio via Shutterstock

The world is full of commonly confused things. What’s the difference between a casket and a coffin? Jam and jelly? Yams and sweet potatoes?

While it may seem like innocuous pedantry, using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion. How can you tell if someone is knitting or crocheting? Is gelato just a fancy Italian word for ice cream?

In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy breaks down how to distinguish some commonly confused pairs. Tune in to learn the differences between Great Britain and the United Kingdom, disinformation and misinformation, and more not-quite-synonyms.

Subscribe to Mental Floss on YouTube for new videos every week.