For instance a few years ago you would never have heared 24/7 it would have been 24 hours a day. People are now going to stores instead of the shops and I even heared someone the other day say they were taking a vacation (cringe).
2006-09-15 00:27:55 · 16 answers · asked by peteblackfox 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Vacation is pretty cringe-worthy coming from a Brit, I know but as several people have already said, the English Language is always evolving. It is like a living breathing entity which draws it creative energy from all languages, societies and cultures and this is part of the reason why it is such an interesting, if not fascinating, subject to study. As long as there are some people to pass on their knowledge regarding Standard English, we don't need to worry. These new words which enter our language don't always stick around anyway, whether they are Americanisms or neologisms, some catch on and some don't. I suppose that 'text speak' is another 'invasion' or 'assault' on Standard English and in my opinion an altogether more despicable one at that!
Oh I am sorry.......... I was ranting again, wasn't I? Sorry! I'll button it!
2006-09-16 17:24:49 · answer #1 · answered by Tatsbabe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's an ongoing process, and not just language, it is various elements of US culture, good and bad, and they are all around. Look at all the Yankee household products that we have used for decades - Heinz, Kellogg, Kodak. We embrace American music and films (sorry, movies). I can remember a time when no-one gave the middle finger, it was always the split index and middle finger to tell someone where to go. This weekend I have to buy some things, and the place I am going to is called "The Mall". I'm not sure why we don't defend our culture better, I guess we are just assholes, instead of just arseholes.
We do, however, take in expressions from elsewhere too. When I was a student people went to university. We have Australian soaps like Neighbours and Home & Away to thank for present day students going to "uni".
2006-09-15 18:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by ♫ Rum Rhythms ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's TV and films I expect - we have so many over here that we naturally pick up the language. I think it is a real shame and I stop myself when I hear them creeping in to what I say. I would certainly never say 'vacation', 'movie', 'store', 'sidewalk' etc etc etc. Vive le difference I say (eek, going French now)!
2006-09-15 07:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by peggy*moo 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think we have picked up Americanisms through tv and films - alot of what we watch now is made by America so its going to influence our language, especially children who are prone to picking up what they hear. Sadly America may actually be taking over the world like it wants to!
2006-09-17 13:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by Beth 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I disagree that its because of American TV directly, Its poncey UK radio DJ's news reporters, TV presenters, who think, I know I will be dead trendy and speak like an American. So kids Follow their pathetic lead
You know I have seen signs in toilets saying Janitors!! clean this etc
F%&$ OFF
2006-09-15 07:45:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Film and TV, maybe music for most people I think. My excuse is that I lived over there for four years! :D
It worries me a bit to hear people talking about skedules but I won't really panic until I hear tom-ay-to on a regular basis. :)
2006-09-17 08:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by lauriekins 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fluffy's right! Instead of debating whether the UK want the Euro, it should be asking if the people want the US$!
2006-09-15 13:03:00 · answer #7 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pain in the ars*
Same thing happens in Australia and it annoys the hell out of me. 'Yo dude' from kids wearing daggy basketball gear just shows that the Americanisation of the UK, Aust, NZ is near complete.
2006-09-15 07:41:24 · answer #8 · answered by Uncle Fester 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It really annoys me.On bbc radio 4 all the so-called 'experts' on any subject are American.You would think the Brits were too stupid to know about anything.
2006-09-15 14:28:19 · answer #9 · answered by michael k 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
AAARRRRGGGHHHH - I know what you mean!! It's another example of the US taking over - how long before the UK becomes part of the United States?
2006-09-15 07:33:22 · answer #10 · answered by Fluffy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋