Licorice vs. Liquorice — What's the Difference?

Licorice, in American English, signifies a sweet, aromatic extract derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, utilized extensively in confectionery, flavoring, and herbal remedies. On the other hand, liquorice is simply the British English variant of the same term, with no difference in meaning or usage beyond the geographical variation in spelling.

The production and use of licorice/liquorice involve extracting the sweet-tasting compound glycyrrhizin from the plant's roots. This process does not differ between regions; rather, the spelling variation reflects the broader differences between American and British English. While "licorice" is commonly seen on product labels and in literature in the United States, "liquorice" is used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.

In culinary applications, licorice is famed for its distinctive flavor, which is both sweet and slightly bitter. This flavor profile is consistent across cultures, whether referred to as licorice in American confections or liquorice in British sweets, such as liquorice allsorts, a popular candy assortment.

Beyond its culinary use, licorice/liquorice plays a significant role in traditional and modern medicine. It's employed for its therapeutic properties, such as soothing sore throats and gastrointestinal issues, with no distinction in its medical application between the American and British contexts.

The preference for "licorice" or "liquorice" spelling extends into legal and regulatory documents, scientific literature, and marketing materials, aligning with the general linguistic practices of the respective countries. This adherence underscores the importance of regional spelling conventions in global communication.