Math vs Maths: US vs UK Explained by Kieron

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences in terminology between American and British English, specifically focusing on the use of "math" in the US versus "maths" in the UK. It touches on linguistic quirks and broader implications of language evolution post-American Revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the British use "maths" because "mathematics" ends in "s", while Americans prefer the abbreviation "math".
  • Others point out that these differences reflect the quirks of two countries separated by a common language.
  • A participant humorously compares the terminology to other linguistic variations, such as "behavior" vs. "behaviour" and "aluminum" vs. "aluminium".
  • There is a suggestion that the differences may stem from a desire for efficiency versus a more traditional approach to language.
  • One participant recalls a humorous observation about Canadian language habits regarding turning lights on and off, which leads to further discussion about regional vernacular.
  • A later reply mentions a historical perspective, suggesting that the American Revolution led to significant changes in the English language to create a distinct American identity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the reasons behind the terminology differences, with no consensus reached on a single explanation. The discussion includes humor and personal anecdotes, indicating a light-hearted debate rather than a serious linguistic analysis.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about language evolution and cultural identity that are not fully explored or substantiated. The references to Canadian language habits introduce additional complexity without resolving the main topic.

Kieron
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Hi
Not sure what forum this should go in. But does anyone know why mathematics is math in the US and maths in the UK?

Kieron
 
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Brits add the s because the word "mathematics" ends in "s". Americans tend to just use initial letters for abbreviations.
 
Just the different quirks of two different countries separated by a common language.

Why do Canadians open and close their lights while Americans turn theirs on and off? The really puzzling thing is that Canadians have to close the switch in order to open their lights, and have to open the switch to close their lights. :biggrin:
 
Kieron said:
Hi
Not sure what forum this should go in. But does anyone know why mathematics is math in the US and maths in the UK?

Kieron

I've always thought they were in the same league with "behavior-behaviour","hemoragia-haemoragia",and many more.

Daniel.
 
Kieron said:
why mathematics is math in the US and maths in the UK?

Maybe the Brits just like to stick in extra letters to make us Yanks cranky: alumin(i)um, travel(l)er, labo(u)r...

Or maybe we took them out to make them cranky. :smile:
 
It's a trade-off between efficiency and vulgarity.
 
BobG said:
Why do Canadians open and close their lights while Americans turn theirs on and off? The really puzzling thing is that Canadians have to close the switch in order to open their lights, and have to open the switch to close their lights. :biggrin:

Never heard of that.

:confused:
 
BobG said:
Just the different quirks of two different countries separated by a common language.

Why do Canadians open and close their lights while Americans turn theirs on and off? The really puzzling thing is that Canadians have to close the switch in order to open their lights, and have to open the switch to close their lights. :biggrin:

I second ek. I am Canadian and have been turning on and turning off lights all my life. Furthermore, all of the switches I have encountered have been either labelled with ON and OFF, or nothing at all. Occasionally, I'll be daring and shut off the lights instead, but that is the extent of the variation I allow in my vernacular.

LOL!

*Edit* GASP! I realize I have been lax...for occasionally I have been known to switch on and off the lights as well.
 
Last edited:
Sometime after the american revolution there was a huge revisionism of the English language to make it more American. The American revolution was more profound and complete than many realize.
 

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