BristolUK

Nope, not a thread about TV but a thread about adapting to the language.

Based on my own use and observations on this forum, many of us think "TV Show" rather than program - or programme as we'd probably have spelled it previously.

But maybe, sidewalk, washroom, parking lot, pants and all the rest don't come as easily.

Any theories? Or am I mistaken?

Why would some come easier than others? Who uses all the North American expressions?

Alan2005

Show is used in the UK now as well and programme is on the way out. Same with season replacing series.

BristolUK

Fair point - although wiki describes the radio times as a programme listings magazine.

But how about those that came here before the UK changed?

smivers

I find that those Canadian words and phrases that don't have different meanings in English are easy to pick up (sidewalk, washroom, cellphone, for example). Those that do I have avoided (pants being the obvious one...).

Shard

It all depends on how keenly you want to retain British diction. TV show is a relatively neutral term, and as Alan said, is also now in use in Britain. I don't, however, see pants making the leap any time soon.

Speaking of word choice:

Shard

On the other hand, British words are also being adopted in North America...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19670686

BristolUK

I'm not bothered. I do however want to be understood so if I'm giving directions I'll say parking lot, not car park which has previously received a blank look. With the family, they understand me and they even use many Brit expressions themselves.

But if you're very keen to retain British diction you'll use none of the North American ones and if you're keen to adapt, all of them.

I'm wondering why some and not others. Smivers has given a very good reason for his variations.

BristolUK

They just want to sound classier.

Oink

In the absence of direction the lumpenproletariat will always regress to the lowest common culture. The attraction is that its cheap and abundant, like Chinese consumer goods.

geedee

I now use "sweater" as "jumper" is completely unknown to the locals here!

ann m

I've amended quite a few words because I have given a lot of presentations, plus my kids have swapped quite few words over too. I now find myself using a lot of them at home - sweater, pants and trash come to mind.

The hardest things I find to "translate" are the more slang-like expresisons - "taking the Mickey" is a favourite of mine - or it was until I had to keep translating it into "teasing" or "taking the piss". It's stronger than teasing and not as strong as taking the piss.

My husband even says "soccer" now - that is serious!

geedee

That's something I won't do, on principle.

cjones

I tend to use it in the way one would use a foreign language. If speaking to cradles, I use the vernacular for clarity, but naturally revert back to proper English when communicating with normal people.

Shard

And you presumably speak in a VERY LOUD VOICE in foreign countries

Mikeypm

+ 1 footbal is football and always will be