Americanisms...is it just me that finds them irritating?

stir_crazy

I hate when people say they "did" a place.

"I did Japan". No you didn't, you visited Japan.

I'm not sure if that is an american thing, although the first time I heard it was when I was on holiday and overheard an american who was "doing" Europe.

jackieblack

piglet74 wrote: »

I also hate the way they say, "Dublin Ireland" and "London England"..even " Dallas Texas".. Maybe its because their country is so big there's always more than one place with the same name?

Exactly right.
It's to be precise about where they're talking about eg Paris, Texas as opposed to Paris, France. Arlington, Virginia as opposed to Arlington, Texas. Vancouver, Washington as opposed to Vancouver, British Columbia, etc

There are towns called Springfield in 30 different US states, and nearly as many Washingtons (27?)!

andy.m_2

Americans seem to lack understanding of grammar, syntax and sentence structure.
This is why some of their foibles seem odd to us.

I generally dislike them, their country and the way they speak; other than that they are fine.

Gloomendoom

andy.m wrote: »

Americans seem to lack understanding of grammar, syntax and sentence structure.
This is why some of their foibles seem odd to us.

I generally dislike them, their country and the way they speak; other than that they are fine.

I frequent a couple of US forums. Generally speaking, the standard of written English is a lot higher than is found on the MSE forums. They are also not afraid to point out poor grammar, syntax, or spelling which means members actually get a chance to learn from their mistakes.

Tropez

stir_crazy wrote: »

I'm not sure if that is an american thing, although the first time I heard it was when I was on holiday and overheard an american who was "doing" Europe.

They may have meant it in the same way of Debbie doing Dallas.

DianneB

LondonDiva wrote: »

The one I loathe more than anything is MOM - when I see it in posts, I can feel the twitch!

Oh no!! I come from the Midlands where it's normal to call your mother mom, I always think mum is a bit posh and when I hear 40 year olds shouting 'mummy' across a shop to their pensioner mothers I want to hit them!!

[must add coming from the Midlands I do find a surprising amount of ordinary things 'posh']

lostinrates

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I frequent a couple of US forums. Generally speaking, the standard of written English is a lot higher than is found on the MSE forums. They are also not afraid to point out poor grammar, syntax, or spelling which means members actually get a chance to learn from their mistakes.

In fact, though my neurological condition's impact on my use of language is poorly representative, of both systems, I had early education in both English and American systems. I would say they were differently demanding I would agree there was then more attention to core vet grammar, use of language and handwriting in US education. Other things were certainly more demanding at that stage within the english system. How it is now out there I don't know. Our newest niece is likely to go through US school system so maybe we'll get a glimpse through her in some years.

LittleMissAspie

midnightraven3 wrote: »

and kew-pons:mad:
coupons, "coo-pons"
its not difficult

I've always said kewpon, I'm sure my mum says it that way.

I like some Americanisms but hate others. Most have been covered but one I hate is bangs for fringe. It just sounds silly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnGPgCVJUsI

This_Year

midnightraven3 wrote: »

and kew-pons:mad:
coupons, "coo-pons"
its not difficult

LittleMissAspie wrote: »

I've always said kewpon, I'm sure my mum says it that way.

My OH says kewpon and joovet (this drives me up the wall!)

zaksmum

andy.m wrote: »

Americans seem to lack understanding of grammar, syntax and sentence structure.
This is why some of their foibles seem odd to us.

I generally dislike them, their country and the way they speak; other than that they are fine.

Imagine if you said that about Africans or Pakistanis...!