British vs US English

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by chimaera, Jan 18, 2008.

  1. chimaera

    chimaera Peon

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    #21
    Oh you certainly can change Word to British English - though beware, it will change back to Yankspeak at every available opportunity!

    It actually makes me laugh somewhat when I install a program and it asks me to select language, with "English (US)" as the only English option.
     
    chimaera, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  2. Treacle

    Treacle Peon

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    #22
    Hello there

    This is an interesting thread. I think British English is not only used in the UK but is the version used by people in Europe as their second language and also in Commonwealth countries.

    As a Brit, I write in British English but do get some people incorrectly saying that I have spelt certain words wrongly!

    Treacle
     
    Treacle, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  3. jithosh.js

    jithosh.js Peon

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    #23
    What's a British english and who is the queen ? were you guys talking about Medieval languages
     
    jithosh.js, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  4. internetauthor

    internetauthor Peon

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    #24
    So what exactly are khaki pants over there? :rolleyes: (I'm teasing, I know the answer.)

    I think it does matter a bit for both SEO and for audiences.

    For example, I was discussing a project with a British webmaster via IM. I'm from Texas, and he was explaining that the movie Calendar Girls had been filmed in his area. I told him, "I love that movie! Those old ladies are so spunky and hilarious!" He got very quiet and then had to gently explain the difference between the Texas "spunky" (upbeat, peppy, cheerful, effervescent) and the UK "spunky" which I won't get into here...

    So, if you pick the wrong word I think it can make a HUGE difference! :D

    Rebecca
     
    internetauthor, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  5. Treacle

    Treacle Peon

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    #25
    Was that a joke?

    The Queen (Queen Elizabeth the Second) is the Queen of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth. British English is that used in Britain and where English originates from. I think it has evolved quite a bit since Medieval times ;)
     
    Treacle, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  6. chimaera

    chimaera Peon

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    #26
    No comment!

    I won't even mention "fanny" ... oh wait, I just did. The childish smirking that goes on when I read a book describing a girl "sitting on her fanny" ...

    Too far? [Retracts just in case].
     
    chimaera, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  7. Seasidewriter

    Seasidewriter Peon

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    #27
    Anybody ever use the word mommick? It's an old-timey english word that was used in isolated coastal areas of my region for centuries. It means to harass, bother or mess up.

    Don't mommick me, I've had a hard day.
    Make sure those papers are placed neatly in the folder. I don't want the edges mommicked.
     
    Seasidewriter, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  8. bigbluesky2006

    bigbluesky2006 Active Member

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    #28
    Being a Brit who lives in the States I find myself in a constant dilema as to which to use. I've been over here for just over two years now and at first fiound myself using the Queen's English. I would even correct American friends and tell them to learn proper English! Sadly now I find myself using American English. :(
     
    bigbluesky2006, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  9. CoolCopy

    CoolCopy Peon

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    #29
    No! Don't do it, Man!
    Keep reminding them how
    to speak properly. Just don't
    give in!

    Don't go over to the dark side, my friend, lol, there's no turning back once you do :D
     
    CoolCopy, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  10. godofwriting

    godofwriting Banned

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    #30
    As I flip through the pages, it slowly dawns on me how exhaustive the Oxford English Dictionary can be :rolleyes:
     
    godofwriting, Jan 18, 2008 IP
  11. Don Juan

    Don Juan Banned

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    #31
    I use both variants as it depends from the client with whom I communicate.
     
    Don Juan, Jan 28, 2008 IP