The Americanisation of die Englische Sprache

[BudgieJane]

Originally Posted by TheMawn

On the other hand, I am one to use -our instead of -or whenever possible. Favour vs Favor. It's a bit inconsistent of me, and that confuses me somewhat. :shrug:

I don't see why. Canada often spells words the English way, maybe as a protest against Webster's Americanisation of spellings, where America means the USA. Again, although the USA spellings have reverted to the original Latin, the English (and Canadian) spellings come through the French: Latin favor -> French faveur -> English favour.

If you want confusion, which of licence and license is the noun and which the verb? In England, licence is the noun and license the verb; in the USA it it the other way around.

[ewmayer]

Originally Posted by kladner

I had to look up "butty". Now I am wondering, did he have chips in that? In any case, buttered white bread with catsup and bacon sounds nasty.

As with many foods, it does seem to mirror the colo[u]rs and texture of those who regularly consume it [or perhaps I have the causality backwards].

[TheMawn]

Originally Posted by ewmayer

As with many foods, it does seem to mirror the colo[u]rs and texture of those who regularly consume it [or perhaps I have the causality backwards].

In my case, my food and the people regularly consumed have identical colours and textures.




_{[SUB]Too much? Yeah, probably.}[/SUB]

[wblipp]

Originally Posted by ewmayer

William, spot any whilsts yet?

Today, in advertising on the side of a red london bus. Does that count?

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by retina

It is not just USA (which I assume you mean when you say American?)

Originally Posted by BudgieJane

Americanisation of spellings, where America means the USA.

Why do folks get their knickers in a twist over "America" ≈ "The United States of America"? They never make a fuss over
"Mexico" ≈ "Estados Unidos Mexicanos"
"Australia" ≈ "Commonwealth of Australia"
"United Kingdom" ≈ "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"
or other similar shortenings.
They often say, "The USA is not all of 'America'!". Well, there is no single "America" landmass. There are continents of "South America" and "North America", aka "The Americas".

[ewmayer]

Originally Posted by wblipp

Today, in advertising on the side of a red london bus. Does that count?

Spotting a wily wild whilst wun-, erm I mean, running free on such an iconic transit vehicle inmidst of a [uh-oh, I feel another bout of Elmer Fudd coming on...] gweat metwopowis not onwy counts, it's wowth extwa cwedit.

[retina]

Originally Posted by TheMawn

Lord of Evil needs someone else to tell him if he wins?

Naturally I win. But a bit of politeness never hurts.

Originally Posted by TheMawn

In my case, my food and the people regularly consumed have identical colours and textures.

You regularly consume people? I thought only my sharks had that privilege. I have a new respect for you.

[Jayder]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

Well, there is no single "America" landmass. There are continents of "South America" and "North America", aka "The Americas".

Maybe this isn't what you're saying, but some do consider both North and South America to be just one continent, and refer to it as America.

Mexico isn't a continent name, and neither is Britain. If there was a country called "the United States of Europe" that was frequently referred to as just "Europe" I'm sure there'd be a similar confusion. Or maybe not. I wonder if Kiwis have a problem with the "Australia" thing.

[retina]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

They never make a fuss over
...
"United Kingdom" ≈ "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"

Wanna bet on that one? Some people just call that whole general area England.

[chalsall]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

Why do folks get their knickers in a twist over "America" ≈ "The United States of America"?

Only speaking for myself... I find it a bit presumptuous.

By one measure, there are 62 countries which could be considered to be in "North America".

By the same measure, there are 63 countries which could be considered to be in "South America".

Some are in both sets, but I hope the point is clear to understand.

P.S. Just in case my point isn't clear, let me please refer you to Rick Mercer's "Talking to Americians".

[Nick]

Originally Posted by ewmayer

As with many foods, it does seem to mirror the colo[u]rs and texture of those who regularly consume it [or perhaps I have the causality backwards].

If you are ever in Amsterdam, come and look at Van Gogh's early painting called "The Potato Eaters" (de aardappeleters):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Va...sser-03850.jpg

http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/inde...e=1303&lang=en