The British-to-American Dictionary

Violent & Funky · 11-01-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojopinuk

But it would be just as frustrating for us when the roles were reversed.

Give me an example and I'll be pleased to get angry at myself...

Mojo · 11-01-2010, 06:28 PM

Well if it would be frustrating for you to have an English person ask for a pudding then wouldn't it be the same if the roles were reversed? You still wouldn't get what you were asking for.

Same goes for lots of things using that logic like if you were to ask for chips or a biscuit.

Violent & Funky · 11-01-2010, 06:44 PM

I have no problem with "chips" or "biscuit" because they are foods that developed their own unique identities in their own cultures and have very specific meanings. But this is pudding--it's not a matter of us using it for a different dish...

NSW · 11-01-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojopinuk

Autumn - Fall
.

Is this an English vs. American term? Because both terms are used pretty frequently here.

GuitarBizarre · 11-01-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonsubmissivewife

Is this an English vs. American term? Because both terms are used pretty frequently here.

The english NEVER use 'Fall' to describe autumn, whereas in america its the more commonly used name, probably on account of being one less syllable.

LoathsomePete · 11-01-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonsubmissivewife

Is this an English vs. American term? Because both terms are used pretty frequently here.

No it's a term that really is the standard word for that situation. I moved back from Wales this time in 2007 and had heard enough people using the term "autumn" when I would have said "fall".

Violent & Funky · 11-01-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

The english NEVER use 'Fall' to describe autumn, whereas in america its the more commonly used name, probably on account of being one less syllable.

For the day lights savings time the clocks "spring forward and fall backwards". You can't use autumn in that saying!

Mojo · 11-01-2010, 06:57 PM

What does 'fall' actually mean? I thought it came to be used due to the fact that tree's shed leaves during the autumn rather than for it to have anything to do with daylight savings.

Both terms are common in America but yeah, in England we never, ever use the word fall.

Although I believe we used to. I don't believe it originated in England but i'm sure we used to use it in the past. I've read up about this one before but it was a while ago.

NSW · 11-01-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

The english NEVER use 'Fall' to describe autumn, whereas in america its the more commonly used name, probably on account of being one less syllable.

That must be why everyone here pronounces the word "caramel" as "carmel". :P

I had to hear it from an English dude for like half an hour about that one.

Freebase Dali · 11-01-2010, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

My lad says mom instead of mam.
He watches too much American TV.
I'm trying to get him out of the habit with a swift clip round the back of the head.

I can sorta sympathize... I hear an embarrassing number of Americans (mostly see them on the internet, and particularly any place where there are a lot of Brits congregating... like here) speaking in British terminology and mannerisms, down to the spelling. While I really don't care to argue which version of English is the right one or not, I gotta say... I wish people would just stick to what's considered correct in their own country. It annoys me to no end when I hear some jackass who's never even been to Europe putting on some unnecessary show in order to... what, fleetingly make people thing they're not who they are? It can't be easier to speak and act in a way that isn't even native to your continent, much less your own life until you started getting enamored by people who couldn't really give less of a **** about whether you speak their jargon or not.

I guess it's all a personal choice, but I still think it's retarded.

11-01-2010, 06:28 PM	#22 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	Well if it would be frustrating for you to have an English person ask for a pudding then wouldn't it be the same if the roles were reversed? You still wouldn't get what you were asking for. Same goes for lots of things using that logic like if you were to ask for chips or a biscuit. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

11-01-2010, 06:44 PM	#23 (permalink)
Violent & Funky FUNky Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Midland, MI Posts: 2,482	I have no problem with "chips" or "biscuit" because they are foods that developed their own unique identities in their own cultures and have very specific meanings. But this is pudding--it's not a matter of us using it for a different dish... __________________ http://www.last.fm/user/ohio0808 sometimes I don't thrill you sometimes I think I'll kill you just don't let me fuck up will you 'cause when I need a friend it's still you

11-01-2010, 06:57 PM	#28 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	What does 'fall' actually mean? I thought it came to be used due to the fact that tree's shed leaves during the autumn rather than for it to have anything to do with daylight savings. Both terms are common in America but yeah, in England we never, ever use the word fall. Although I believe we used to. I don't believe it originated in England but i'm sure we used to use it in the past. I've read up about this one before but it was a while ago. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust