There are also differences of building styles, maybe this is part of how we ended up with different terminology. The prototypical Parisian building has a paved

There are also differences of building styles, maybe this is part of how we ended up with different terminology. The prototypical Parisian building has a paved driveway to the courtyard which is on the ground level. The prototypical New England house has a first floor which is a wooden thing with floorboards, 3 feet or so above ground.