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THE REASON WHY AMERICANS SAY MATH AND NOT MATHS
THE REASON WHY AMERICANS SAY MATH AND NOT MATHS When I visited New York for the first time in the 1980s, I went to a bookshop and was amazed that there were American English dictionaries on sale. On browsing a dictionary, it dawned on me how different American English is to British English. Since I started blogging years ago, this difference between American English and British English became even more apparent. I’ve had to become bilingual in reading American people’s blogs to fully understand them and in writing my own blog to ensure I’m understood by Americans. I always knew Americans spelt things differently. Organisation becomes organization; centre becomes center; programme becomes program, behaviour becomes behaviour, colour becomes color, grey becomes gray, and pyjamas become pajamas. I’ve put this down to the whimsy of Americans. But American spelling of English words often means less letters to type out so their whimsy makes a lot of sense as it saves time. Some American words, because of American films and music, have become mainstream here. People often say movies to mean films, apartments to mean flats, mail to mean post, truck to mean lorry, and ass to mean arse. But I still sometimes get confused with the many different words used to describe the same thing. For example, here in the UK, we generally say Autumn not Fall, toilet not restroom, bum not fanny, university not college, prison not penitentiary, trade union not labor union, full stop not period, maths not math, mobile phone not cellphone, queue not line, lift not elevator, underground not subway, holiday not vacation, nappy not diaper, rubber not eraser, waistcoat not vest, trousers not pants, jumper not sweater, trainers not sneakers, pissed off not pissed, bill not check, postman not mailman, probation officer not parole officer, doctor not physician, postcode not zip code, shop not store, chemist not drugstore, off-licence not liquor store, torch not flashlight, crisps not chips, chips not fries, biscuits not cookies, sweets not candy, jelly not jello, aubergine not eggplant, courgette not zucchini, sweet corn not maize, cooker not stove, tin not can, rubbish not trash, dustbin not garbage can, wardrobe not closet, garden not yard, motorway not highway, caravan not trailer, bonnet not hood, boot not trunk, car park not parking lot, petrol not gas, and definitely football not soccer. What American-English or British-English words confuse you? Do you say Maths or Math? Have you become more bilingual in American English and British English on blogland? But there are few words when used could lead to major misunderstandings depending where you are. If an American asked me for chips, I’d give them fries when they really wanted crisps! If an American told me they were pissed, I’d think there were drunk and not angry! If an American asked me to look inside their trunk, I’d enjoy myself rummaging around their suitcase! If an American wanted a cookie, I'd say that I haven't got that type of biscuit and offer them a custard cream biscuit instead! If an American admired my wife’s fanny, I’d think my wife must have flashed her pussy at them! And if an American asked to borrow my pants, I’d ask for money if they so badly wanted to satisfy their kinks by wearing my game-worn underwear! My only bugbear about American English is when Americans say math and not maths because mathematics is a plural word. But, having said that, the Americans are yet again saving a letter from the word being typed out. It saves time; the reason why Americans say math and not maths is because they are very busy people in a hurry! |
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Winston Churchill once said, “Americans and British are one people separated by a common language.”
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I had never given much thought how we say words so differently although I do know many of the words you all use in the UK. They are quite interesting too, I have to say as I love the word BUM, as we don't use that hear. Most usually say ASS lol. What American-English or British-English words confuse you? They don't really confuse me but some of the food words did at first but I have got to know them pretty well for the most part. Do you say Maths or Math? I say Math as that's what we were taught in school. Have you become more bilingual in American English and British English on blogland? Me bilingual no not really but it is fun learning words that mean the same thing but are different from other countries. I hope you enjoy your Monday in November, and may it be a great start to your week..
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What American-English or British-English words confuse you? - "Could care less" is said in America but "can't care less" is said in the UK. It means the same?...that's very confusing.
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Winston was so right about our language. Watching BBC programs has made me more British language literate and blog posts here have expanded my knowledge of the differences. I knew most but not all of the different terms you listed. Thank You. I am not sure if it is true but I read that when Webster compiled his dictionary he deliberately used different spellings to accent the differences between Britain and the US. He thought his take was superior. Still, not sure how so many items came to have such different names. I have come to try to abandon the term Fanny Pack, ie the pouch worn around the waist, since I learned that to you Brits, fanny does not mean bum but something a bit forward on a female. If you see me in the real world, come say "Hi Justskin." I always behave. Preferably not well.
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I’m fascinated. It’s so interesting. I’m going to start saying maths from here on out!! Have a great day! 💋 Staci
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I wonder if it is due to the import of many American TV series (or seasons) over here. Do Americans pick up and use any British English words or do they just stick with their own?
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Having been exposed to British humour — over here in the land of the maple 🍁 leaf — on TV and radio, there's not much that confuses me. I can see both sides of the coin. It helps to hear someone speak — then I'll know what they mean. I might read a sentence over; to be sure I have it right. 😊❗❗ ... is there another way to look at it Going Too Fucking Far NEW Blog Features RevealeD O O A Foolproof Method Posted Over on that NEW site O O
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What American-English or British-English words confuse you? - "Could care less" is said in America but "can't care less" is said in the UK. It means the same?...that's very confusing. Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!
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I rarely have difficulty with the difference between American and English but I have read a lot of British authors over the years. There are differences in certain words depending on American geography. Your word motorway could be highway, expressway, freeway or toll road depending on where you live. Don't get me started on soda pop variations. Even though Mathematics are plural, we use the abbreviation Math. (the period is silent) However, I say Arithmetic. Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!
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I once worked with a British Engineer from Singapore, and while sitting in a bar one night, he promptly announced he needed to go out for a fag! I had no idea he needed to go outside for a cigarette!
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What American-English or British-English words confuse you? I don't think any mainstream words confuse me. I don't know all the British regional words. I'm learning. Do you say Maths or Math? Math Have you become more bilingual in American English and British English on blogland? Yes. I read enough books growing up to have all the basic words in my brain
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I don't think aboot it! I say "math" ..................arithmetic when I was a youngster! but then, I'm Canadian!
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Oh the joy of it. There is American-English, all versions from each direction of the compass There is British - English The rest of British Isles speak another dialect of English all together The Canadians speak some form of English .... "aboat" Then you lot haven't dealt with Australian - English, commonly refered to as "Strine". Get your dictionaries out on that one, people
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I had never given much thought how we say words so differently although I do know many of the words you all use in the UK. They are quite interesting too, I have to say as I love the word BUM, as we don't use that hear. Most usually say ASS lol. What American-English or British-English words confuse you? They don't really confuse me but some of the food words did at first but I have got to know them pretty well for the most part. Do you say Maths or Math? I say Math as that's what we were taught in school. Have you become more bilingual in American English and British English on blogland? Me bilingual no not really but it is fun learning words that mean the same thing but are different from other countries. I hope you enjoy your Monday in November, and may it be a great start to your week..
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When I visited Quebec City, a beautiful city, I was a little suprised how easy it was to get by in the English language. I was expecting resistance to me speaking English requiring me to speak French!
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What American-English or British-English words confuse you? - "Could care less" is said in America but "can't care less" is said in the UK. It means the same?...that's very confusing.
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Winston was so right about our language. Watching BBC programs has made me more British language literate and blog posts here have expanded my knowledge of the differences. I knew most but not all of the different terms you listed. Thank You. I am not sure if it is true but I read that when Webster compiled his dictionary he deliberately used different spellings to accent the differences between Britain and the US. He thought his take was superior. Still, not sure how so many items came to have such different names. I have come to try to abandon the term Fanny Pack, ie the pouch worn around the waist, since I learned that to you Brits, fanny does not mean bum but something a bit forward on a female. Saying fanny pack here could get you in trouble here ... or even get you a nice surprise!
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I’m fascinated. It’s so interesting. I’m going to start saying maths from here on out!!
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I wonder if it is due to the import of many American TV series (or seasons) over here. Do Americans pick up and use any British English words or do they just stick with their own?
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Having been exposed to British humour — over here in the land of the maple 🍁 leaf — on TV and radio, there's not much that confuses me. I can see both sides of the coin. It helps to hear someone speak — then I'll know what they mean. I might read a sentence over; to be sure I have it right. 😊❗❗
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Technically, the American phrase is "Couldn't care less" but there are a lot of grammatically ignorant people in the US.
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I rarely have difficulty with the difference between American and English but I have read a lot of British authors over the years. There are differences in certain words depending on American geography. Your word motorway could be highway, expressway, freeway or toll road depending on where you live. Don't get me started on soda pop variations. Even though Mathematics are plural, we use the abbreviation Math. (the period is silent) However, I say Arithmetic. Arithmetic does get round the battle whether it's maths or math.
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I once worked with a British Engineer from Singapore, and while sitting in a bar one night, he promptly announced he needed to go out for a fag! I had no idea he needed to go outside for a cigarette! Thanks for stopping by.
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What American-English or British-English words confuse you? I don't think any mainstream words confuse me. I don't know all the British regional words. I'm learning. Do you say Maths or Math? Math Have you become more bilingual in American English and British English on blogland? Yes. I read enough books growing up to have all the basic words in my brain
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