American English vs English English. III

Round 3

Sneakers vs Trainers

Some free advertising for you here, Adidas. I'm sure the cheque's/check's in the post/post. (Whoever leaves their shoes like that and where are the ends of the laces? Anyway, onto the point of the post.)

In America, these are SNEAKERS. A covert, perhaps a little snidey word that suggests these are put on to creep around the place, avoid detection, do something a little bit naughty/undercover.

In Britain, they're TRAINERS, a straight-up no messing description. Wear these when you're in training, right? Except people don't. You can slob on a sofa in these.

Not happy with either word from either side here. So a dishonourable draw. 1.5 - 1.5

American English vs English English II

Round 2:
Diaper vs Nappy

Avert your gaze if you're averse to soiled garments.

Actually, it's OK. This one's straight out of the packet. Not been called into action yet.

West side of the Atlantic, it's a DIAPER. Quite a technical, medical sounding word to my ears, even a bit of Wiper about it, which is what someone will be required to be once the thing's been used.

East side, it's NAPPY land.  A bit of a childish sounding name (apt) with a hint of soppy and sloppy about it (the second one definitely apt).

Given the target market for these things, this round's going to ENGLISH ENGLISH. 1-1.

American English vs English English

Round 1: Faucet vs Tap

The first in an occasional series looking at objects that are called different things depending on which side of the Atlantic you're on. Whose word do I prefer? Whose word do you prefer? Who gives a sh!t?

Look at this chunky silver beauty.

On the left side of the Atlantic, it's called a FAUCET. A strong, chunky word that suggests you really have to put a bit of effort into getting something out of this sturdy edifice. Force it open, etc.

On the right side, it's a TAP. Short, sweet, but borrowed from elsewhere. Not original. If I drum my fingertips on a table, that's a tap. People can be tapped up. Shoes can be tap.

This one's going to AMERICAN ENGLISH. 1-0