diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 83b5265c..1f40749e 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -48,6 +48,11 @@ help you on your way:
 
 In general, try to replicate the coding style that is already present. Specifically:
 
+### Naming
+
+For internal consistency, ruma uses American spelling for variable names. Actual values may differ,
+as the matrix specification has a mix of British and American English.
+
 ### Common Types
 
 When writing endpoint definitions, use the following mapping from request /
diff --git a/crates/ruma/src/lib.rs b/crates/ruma/src/lib.rs
index d25e44cf..a8fd17ac 100644
--- a/crates/ruma/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/ruma/src/lib.rs
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@
 //! > ⚠ Some details might be missing because rustdoc has trouble with re-exports so you may need
 //! > to refer to other crates' documentations.
 //!
+//! > 🛈 For internal consistency, ruma uses American spelling for variable names. Actual values may
+//! > differ, as the matrix specification has a mix of British and American English.
+//!
 //! # API features
 //!
 //! Depending on which parts of Matrix are relevant to you, activate the following features: