Do Americans really not know what the word fortnight means?

Question

I am not slamming Americans my boyfriend's American and we always tease each other about not knowing words I just didnt believe him about this one.

Answer 1

this American says it is 2 weeks.

how about a Score, how many people know how much a score is?

Answer 2

First, it's two weeks. However....

I'm not entirely sure that ignorance of word meanings is a uniquely American trait. Nor am I sure that ignorance of words no longer in regular use is a sign of anything significant. I'd bet most folks, regardless of nationality, would get stumped by words like "yclept," for instance, but I would never hold it against them. I still have to look up a word every now and then, and would hate for it to be held against me.

Answer 3

The word fortnight is defined as a period of time representing 2 weeks.

Answer 4

No, many of us know what it means, it is just not a word that is used in America so the general population would have no reason to know it or use it. Sort of how Americans say French Fries, Brits say Chips and French/Belgians say Pommes Frites for the same thing.

Answer 5

fortnight is 14 nights- or its 2 sennights, a score is 20 years by the way

Answer 6

I,m an American and I believe it is 2 weeks. But it,s not a term that we ever use here.

Answer 7

Most Americans probably don't know what it means since most don't seem to read books anymore. We really don't use it in our everyday language so there is no need.

Answer 8

a score is 20 years. i don't technically know what a fortnight is. i mean, i've heard it used. i guess if i needed to, i could look it up.

Answer 9

I always thought it was 20 days for some reason.

Answer 10

2 weeks.