2006-10-09 08:09:02 · 21 answers · asked by HEY 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
They used to have a 'flash' button on them so people back during wars/harsh times could send coded messages in Morse code language. That is not necessary today but we kept the name ----same as you did for your English "torch" while there is no exposed flame these days.
~~an American woman
2006-10-09 08:21:27 · answer #1 · answered by itsjustme_erin 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Ooh, American vs "English" English debate(!)
Well I'm not getting drawn into that, but 'flashlight' is just a word in American English that's come into common usage over time to discern a battery powered light from a flame on a stick. Or it can be a light (perhaps battery powered) that does, or CAN flash.
Poke the button on a torch fast enough - it's flashing.
In British English, 'torch' is a word evolved from the French 'torche', originally "twisted thing," hence "torch formed of twisted tow dipped in wax". So it's simply historical. The French is probably from Latin, so the British English is from a historical bastardisation of many languages - which is where we get most of our history.
The American English isn't wrong - it's just different. But it does discern the more technologically advanced electrically powered light from the ancient fire on a stick type. But torch is just a logical progression.
2006-10-09 08:30:32 · answer #2 · answered by Alasdair P 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A real flashlight has an on/off switch, and a button to press to give a flash. The idea being people in trouble can use it to attract attention. Hence, flashlight.
2006-10-09 08:18:12 · answer #3 · answered by angel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's one of those "micro-evolutionary things that ppl talk about, like two twins separated at birth end up living up way different lives, but still respond to alot of stuff in the same manor as each other. But yeah im from us and never looked at the "flashlight" that way. lol it doesn't flash, strobes flash. torch actually makes way more sense.of course i had to move from east coast to oklahoma(central us, farming) adn all the ppl here are about as culturally knowlegdeable as a rock. they'd be like "well it isn't on fire so it isn't a torch". lol its funny sometims thought watching them try to interpret cultural things like that. they're all so secluded in their little box of the U.S.
2006-10-09 10:37:14 · answer #4 · answered by barneys_assasin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They used to (or still do) have a button on them that you could press and the torch would flash. Probably like morse code. My grandfather used to have a torch like that
2006-10-09 08:16:28 · answer #5 · answered by daisymay 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Military Grade Tactical Flashlight - http://FlashLight.uzaev.com/?uEGe
2016-07-11 07:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by Della 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, we may call a flashlight what you call a torch, but we do know the difference between there, they're and their. (see several entries above LOL)
But what I'd like to know is why do Brits say "alu-min-I-um" when it's clearly spelled alu-min-um?
2006-10-10 00:10:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Its not that the torch flashes its just that americans blink alot.
2006-10-09 11:18:47 · answer #8 · answered by mr bump 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i think it's because flashlight in other words means "sudden light" or "flash-light"..a simple device you can use in times of darkness.(",)
2006-10-09 20:21:57 · answer #9 · answered by taggat61 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because Americans make up their own vocabulary and for the other writer "french fries" were started in Belgium!!!!!
2006-10-09 08:17:56 · answer #10 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋