American spelling of English words.

[Barcon]

English really is almost two languages together, one derived from Latin through French and one from the Germanic languages via the Angles. The latter was the language of the land (or most of it) when the Normans landed and during the following centuries, the ruling classes tried to impose their language on the serfdom. It didn't work and they gave up but by that time both languages were interwoven and words were being used by all classes. Hence why there are so many words, quite often meaning the same thing (Mutton (Old English), Lamb (French) for example).

I find it fascinating.

Isn't mutton an old sheep and a lamb is a baby sheep?

 

[Banshee]

Kleenex...tissues
Band Aid....plasters

No!!!...those are brand names

 

[TheRemainsOfTheDave]

Isn't mutton an old sheep and a lamb is a baby sheep?

Not originally, according to Melvyn Bragg's book, although might be only when talking about the animal as meat, I can't remember now. There's probably better examples of duplication.

 

[idahoblues]

Kleenex...tissues
Band Aid....plasters

No!!!...those are brand names

Have you never Hoovered your house?

 

[idahoblues]

Not originally, according to Melvyn Bragg's book, although might be only when talking about the animal as meat, I can't remember now. There's probably better examples of duplication.

@Barcon knows all about baby sheep

 

[mscenterh750]

Nappy-diaper
Lorry-truck
Sweets-candy
Mobile phone-cell phone
Postcode-zipcode
Rubbish-garbage
Chemist-pharmacy (that one's nearly taken over now)

Wardrobe-closet
Cellar-basement

 

[Tuearts right boot]

English really is almost two languages together, one derived from Latin through French and one from the Germanic languages via the Angles. The latter was the language of the land (or most of it) when the Normans landed and during the following centuries, the ruling classes tried to impose their language on the serfdom. It didn't work and they gave up but by that time both languages were interwoven and words were being used by all classes. Hence why there are so many words, quite often meaning the same thing (Mutton (Old English), Lamb (French) for example).

I find it fascinating.

Maybe when you have time you can explain to me the Welsh language, I know it's the ancient language of the Britons but there is nothing to relate it too, rather like the Basques.

 

[Banshee]

Have you never Hoovered your house?

Of course not...my maid sweeps then mops for me.

 

[Barcon]

@Barcon knows all about baby sheep

I just bought 4lbs of ground lamb/beef mix just yesterday.

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

I could care less

Cute. That one drives me batshit also.