This thread was prompted by a question I had in another thread, which while off topic somewhat, was graciously answered by several fine folks. My question was in regard to British terms versus American terms for the same items. We all know some of those differences, I'm sure. I got to thinking about what other common items we (Brits and Americans) use different words for.
And even after I decided to make this thread I ran across what appears to be another one in this article from the BBC. You have to listen to the video/audio, at the end the reporter mentions the same judge having passed out a similar sentence to a woman who "drove on the pavement to avoid a school bus". To American ears this says she drove on the road to avoid a school bus, which one would assume was on the road. I suspect the meaning of "pavement" in this article refers to what we would call a side walk, normally made of concrete or cement (never can keep those two straight). Our roads, for the most part are PAVED, so driving on the PAVEMENT would mean driving on the road. Normally. Sidewalks are normally on the outer edges of roads and are meant for foot or pedestrian traffic. Any British type able to clear this up for me?
And how about others? I'll list the ones that come to mind, and that were brought out in the other thread. I invite all others interested to chip in. It would, I think, be interesting to be told the history of the words if the poster knows it, or if someone else wants to chime in on words someone else used but did not include it's history. I've never been good at grammar (I'm sure that's no surprise to many of you :)) and I'm not really interested in this becoming a lesson in grammar. Just a fun thread where we can share our differences.
For car parts - British = American: Bonnet = Hood, Wing = Fender, Badge or Bonnet Ornament= Hood Ornament, Wing Mirror = Side or Side View Mirror.
That is all that comes to mind at the moment. Let's see what you have! :)
And even after I decided to make this thread I ran across what appears to be another one in this article from the BBC. You have to listen to the video/audio, at the end the reporter mentions the same judge having passed out a similar sentence to a woman who "drove on the pavement to avoid a school bus". To American ears this says she drove on the road to avoid a school bus, which one would assume was on the road. I suspect the meaning of "pavement" in this article refers to what we would call a side walk, normally made of concrete or cement (never can keep those two straight). Our roads, for the most part are PAVED, so driving on the PAVEMENT would mean driving on the road. Normally. Sidewalks are normally on the outer edges of roads and are meant for foot or pedestrian traffic. Any British type able to clear this up for me?
And how about others? I'll list the ones that come to mind, and that were brought out in the other thread. I invite all others interested to chip in. It would, I think, be interesting to be told the history of the words if the poster knows it, or if someone else wants to chime in on words someone else used but did not include it's history. I've never been good at grammar (I'm sure that's no surprise to many of you :)) and I'm not really interested in this becoming a lesson in grammar. Just a fun thread where we can share our differences.
For car parts - British = American: Bonnet = Hood, Wing = Fender, Badge or Bonnet Ornament= Hood Ornament, Wing Mirror = Side or Side View Mirror.
That is all that comes to mind at the moment. Let's see what you have! :)
via JREF Forum http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=264784&goto=newpost
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