What do the British call cologne?
As an American, you've likely encountered the term "cologne" when referring to men's fragrances. But when you're visiting the UK or interacting with Brits online, you might notice a slightly different vocabulary when it comes to scented products. So, what do the British call cologne, and are there other terms you should be aware of?
The short answer is that the British do use the term "cologne" very similarly to how Americans do. However, the world of fragrance can be a bit nuanced, and there are other terms that might come up in conversation, or that Brits might use more broadly. Let's break down the common terminology:
Understanding Fragrance Concentrations
The key to understanding how Brits (and indeed, most people in the fragrance world) refer to scents lies in their concentration. This is what dictates how long a scent lasts on the skin and its overall intensity. While the terms below are universally recognized within the industry, how casually they are used can vary.
- Eau de Cologne (EDC): This is the most traditional term and refers to a fragrance with a very low concentration of perfume oils, typically around 2-5%. EDCs are generally lighter and shorter-lasting, often designed for a refreshing spritz. While Americans understand this, it's a term you'll definitely hear in the UK.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): This is the most common concentration for men's fragrances, and it's very similar in usage and understanding in both the US and the UK. An EDT typically contains 5-15% perfume oils and offers a moderate longevity.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): With a higher concentration of perfume oils (15-20%), an EDP is richer and longer-lasting than an EDT. This is also a term widely understood and used in both countries.
- Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum): This is the most concentrated form, with 20-30% (or even higher) perfume oils. It's the most potent and longest-lasting, and also the most expensive.
So, Do They Call it "Cologne"?
Yes, they absolutely do! When a British person wants to refer to a specific type of men's fragrance that is typically lighter and often comes in a larger bottle for frequent use, they will use the word "cologne." It's often used as a generic term for men's scented products in much the same way Americans do. For example, they might say:
"I need to pick up some new cologne."
or
"That's a nice cologne you're wearing."
However, it's important to note that in a more technical or precise discussion about fragrance, they might be more specific and use terms like Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum, especially if they are discussing the concentration and longevity of a scent.
The Broad Term: "Aftershave"
One term that you might hear more frequently in the UK, and that can sometimes overlap with what Americans might call "cologne," is "aftershave."
Historically, aftershave was primarily a liquid applied after shaving to soothe the skin, disinfect small cuts, and provide a pleasant scent. Many aftershaves in the UK are still formulated with a lower alcohol content and a lighter fragrance than a traditional Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum. However, some modern aftershaves are quite potent and can function similarly to an EDT.
So, while "aftershave" technically refers to a product used post-shaving, it has also become a more casual term for a lighter, everyday men's fragrance in the UK. An American might say they are putting on "cologne," whereas a Brit might say they are putting on "aftershave," even if the product itself is technically an EDT or a more robust aftershave formula.
Key Takeaways for American Consumers:
When you're in the UK or communicating with Brits about fragrances:
- "Cologne" is understood and used.
- "Aftershave" is a very common term for men's scented products, sometimes used interchangeably with what Americans might call cologne, especially for lighter scents.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) are also used and understood, particularly when discussing concentration and longevity.
Ultimately, the context will usually make the meaning clear. If someone says they are wearing "cologne," they are referring to a scented fragrance. If they say "aftershave," it likely implies a lighter, more everyday scent, but could also be a more substantial fragrance depending on the specific product.
FAQ Section
How do British people differentiate between cologne and aftershave?
Historically, aftershave was a liquid used after shaving to soothe the skin, while cologne was a lighter, more fragrant alcohol-based scent. In contemporary British usage, "aftershave" is often used as a more general term for men's scented products, even if they have a stronger fragrance than traditional colognes. The distinction can be blurry, with many products marketed as both.
Why might a British person use "aftershave" when an American would use "cologne"?
This is largely due to cultural habit and the marketing of products. "Aftershave" has a long-standing place in the grooming routines of British men, and it has evolved to encompass a broader range of scents. For some, it's simply the more familiar and readily used term for a daily fragrance.
Are there specific brands that are more commonly called "cologne" or "aftershave" in the UK?
While specific brand usage isn't strictly tied to these terms, certain brands might be more likely to be referred to casually as "cologne" if they are well-known for their lighter, more refreshing scents. However, many classic brands like Old Spice or Brut are widely known as "aftershaves" in the UK, even if their formulations are comparable to EDCs or EDTs.
