Actually we use the word solder I have never used "sodder". I was in electronics for many years.6ft3Aussie wrote,
Then, people who work with electronics in the US seem to use sodder, where everywhere else in the world, we use solder
Fred
Actually we use the word solder I have never used "sodder". I was in electronics for many years.6ft3Aussie wrote,
Then, people who work with electronics in the US seem to use sodder, where everywhere else in the world, we use solder
In the UK, I remember hearing "sodder" long ago (like, several decades), and probably from plumbers. But in electronics it seems to have been displaced entirely by solder. I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak of a soddering iron.
Thank you for that link, one learns something new every day.geron wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 7:29 amIn the UK, I remember hearing "sodder" long ago (like, several decades), and probably from plumbers. But in electronics it seems to have been displaced entirely by solder. I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak of a soddering iron.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/blog ... -silent-l/
This is not true in all cases. I have taken my pets to "The Vet"Stu wrote:BrE - "vet" = veterinary surgeon - US - "vet" = "veteran"
Vet I use interchangeably, like Uncle Al said - depends on the context. However, I often use "quite" in the BrE sense - generally though I use it in the "I'm nearly done" sense or somewhat incomplete. ie, "I did the job quite well" --translation--> I did a decent job, but it could use a bit more work.
I kinda assumed that, having watched a lot of British comedy - but I thought they were being funny with that word. I presume this is used in a "serious" sense? Or is there supposed to be a touch of irony?
This always throws me off when I'm reading a British novel.
USA uses all these (and probably more): soda / pop / cola
My wife speaks of CA, NZ, AU, US, UK, & IE as six nations divided by a common language. (Yes, there are a few more, and UK is not precise in this post)by Stu » Fri Jan 21, 2022 2:17 pm
I teach linguistics for a living and I have to use both Standard American English and Standard Southern British English forms in terms of the lexicon, spelling, grammar and pronunciation. I was aware that US English speakers pronounce solder with a silent 'l' while BrE speakers do pronounce the 'l'. There are many many differences that go un-noticed at all levels of language. Some ones people rarely spot include:
Lastly, I was once asked by an American colleague, female, what I would be wearing to a work party at a restaurant. It was a casual affair, so I said a jumper and pumps. She thought that was odd. I meant what she would call a sweater and sports shoes - but she understood that to be a knitted dress and high heels.
I think this may be a regional usage, but there is certainly a vogue for it among younger folk, despite the well-known fact that half eleven is 5½. But it can be further confusing, because if you say the equivalent of half eleven to a German speaker, you will be understood as meaning half past ten.Fred in Skirts wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:48 am One of the things that I often hear on Brit TV. When asked the time they say "half eleven" instead of half past eleven. WHY????
Thanks. It's always good to read a different take. It obviously depends on where in the huge US a speaker is.Coder wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 10:24 pm Vet I use interchangeably, like Uncle Al said - depends on the context. However, I often use "quite" in the BrE sense - generally though I use it in the "I'm nearly done" sense or somewhat incomplete. ie, "I did the job quite well" --translation--> I did a decent job, but it could use a bit more work.
This phenomenon is explained by Geoffrey Leach's Politeness Theory. The Approbation maxim under that theory states: 'Minimize the expression of beliefs which express dispraise of other; maximize the expression of beliefs which express approval of other.' It is preferred to praise others and if this is impossible, to sidestep the issue, to give some sort of minimal response (possibly through the use of euphemisms), or to remain silent. The first part of the maxim avoids disagreement; the second part intends to make other people feel good by showing solidarity.Coder wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 10:26 pm Stu - I have a question... for years I've used the word "interesting" as a way of saying "I think you are wrong, but I need to research further" or "no, I disagree". I'm curious if that kind of pattern - substituting a word that means one thing for another - is common and if there are words that are commonly used in the same off way. Hopefully that makes sense, but this has always bugged me and I can't get out of the habit.
The word "napkin" is used in the UK, but is regarded as rather an aristocratic word. Ordinary folk just call it a "serviette" here.Faldaguy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 9:33 am
My wife speaks of CA, NZ, AU, US, UK, & IE as six nations divided by a common language. (Yes, there are a few more, and UK is not precise in this post)
My second English speaking country was CA after the US. The young woman at the boarding house I was staying in promptly gave me an English lesson when I asked her to pass the napkins. She deftly instructed me in such matters of English by letting me know that I had just asked for a feminine hygiene product as opposed to a serviette!
Yup. That is a technique common in literature to add immediacy and suspense to a text.
Stu wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 3:46 pmThanks. It's always good to read a different take. It obviously depends on where in the huge US a speaker is.Coder wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 10:24 pm Vet I use interchangeably, like Uncle Al said - depends on the context. However, I often use "quite" in the BrE sense - generally though I use it in the "I'm nearly done" sense or somewhat incomplete. ie, "I did the job quite well" --translation--> I did a decent job, but it could use a bit more work.
This phenomenon is explained by Geoffrey Leach's Politeness Theory. The Approbation maxim under that theory states: 'Minimize the expression of beliefs which express dispraise of other; maximize the expression of beliefs which express approval of other.' It is preferred to praise others and if this is impossible, to sidestep the issue, to give some sort of minimal response (possibly through the use of euphemisms), or to remain silent. The first part of the maxim avoids disagreement; the second part intends to make other people feel good by showing solidarity.Coder wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 10:26 pm Stu - I have a question... for years I've used the word "interesting" as a way of saying "I think you are wrong, but I need to research further" or "no, I disagree". I'm curious if that kind of pattern - substituting a word that means one thing for another - is common and if there are words that are commonly used in the same off way. Hopefully that makes sense, but this has always bugged me and I can't get out of the habit.
He gives the example: "I heard you singing at the karaoke last night. It was, um... different"
https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Poli ... tion_maxim
It's a kind of euphemism.
The word "napkin" is used in the UK, but is regarded as rather an aristocratic word. Ordinary folk just call it a "serviette" here.Faldaguy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 9:33 am
My wife speaks of CA, NZ, AU, US, UK, & IE as six nations divided by a common language. (Yes, there are a few more, and UK is not precise in this post)
My second English speaking country was CA after the US. The young woman at the boarding house I was staying in promptly gave me an English lesson when I asked her to pass the napkins. She deftly instructed me in such matters of English by letting me know that I had just asked for a feminine hygiene product as opposed to a serviette!
Yup. That is a technique common in literature to add immediacy and suspense to a text.
"There he is. His evil eyes staring into mine demanding I submit to his will. And that will is to devour every morsel of my flesh"