In the United States , the common heatless species is referred to as `` bell peppers , '' `` sweet peppers , '' `` red\/green\/etc peppers , '' or simply `` peppers '' , while the hot species are collectively called `` chile\/chiles , '' `` chili\/chilies , '' or `` chili\/chile peppers '' ( one L only ) , `` hot peppers '' , or named as a specific variety ( e.g. , banana pepper ) . In the United States and Canada , the common heatless species is referred to as `` bell peppers , '' `` sweet peppers , '' `` red\/green\/etc . peppers , '' or simply `` peppers '' , while the hot species are collectively called `` chile\/chiles , '' `` chili\/chilies , '' or `` chili\/chile peppers '' ( one L only ) , `` hot peppers '' , or named as a specific variety ( e.g. , banana pepper ) .