Even in the UK we have different variants.
Try speaking to a Glaswegian when in Scotland. Not Gaelic, but english. You won't understand a thing.
Same for a broad Geordie accent (Newcastle) or a cockney. "Have a butcher's at this then eh?" (butcher's = butcher's hook = look)
The funny part is when I've had American's try and justify changes as a means of making the language more efficient, as with words such as 'color' and 'honor'.
I just ask them where they get water from or how the ascend a high rise building: Faucet vs tap & elevator vs lift.
As for trunk/boot:
the stagecoach had a big box or trunk strapped on the back to hold passengers' luggage, and this was called the boot, apparently from the French word boîte, meaning "box".
See, it's not the first time you yanks have renamed something because of a perceived french background! Freedom fries anyone?
