Carolling vs. Caroling — What's the Difference?

Carolling and Caroling essentially refer to the same activity – the singing of Christmas carols. The difference lies in the spelling, which reflects regional language variations. Carolling, with two 'l's, is the British English form, often used in the United Kingdom and countries influenced by British English. In contrast, Caroling, with one 'l', is the American English form, predominantly used in the United States and regions influenced by American English.

The spelling difference between Carolling and Caroling does not denote any difference in meaning or practice. Both terms describe the festive activity of singing traditional Christmas songs, often in a group and sometimes going from house to house. Carolling is often associated with Victorian-era traditions in England, whereas Caroling evokes images of American Christmas customs.

In literature and media, the choice between Carolling and Caroling can indicate the cultural setting or origin of the content. British writers and publications tend to use Carolling, while American writers and media favor Caroling. Despite this, the activity they refer to is universally understood and celebrated in similar ways across English-speaking cultures.

When it comes to language instruction and learning, the variation in spelling between Carolling and Caroling serves as an example of regional differences in English. English learners are often taught the spelling that aligns with the version of English they are studying – British or American. Thus, a student learning British English would use Carolling, while one studying American English would use Caroling.

In digital media and global communication, where both American and British English are prevalent, one might encounter both Carolling and Caroling. The choice between them is often a matter of personal or regional preference, and neither is considered incorrect in international contexts. The understanding of the term remains consistent, regardless of the spelling variation.