Rise in Use of Word "Whilst": Why?

[Jimmy Snyder]

The OED take it back to 1375

The OED whilst taking whilst back to 1375, takes while back to 1000.

a1000 Hymns iii. 44, 5 (Gr.) Hwile mid weorce, hwile
mid worde, hwile mid gethohte thearle scyldi.

which means, translated into American English:
Whilst is worse than while, the word. (using) whilst will get you thoroughly scolded.

 

[J77]

I like the h before the w

I can see that working

 

[Huckleberry]

I can understand why people would think 'whilst' is pompous, pretentious and snobbish in the abstract, but I can't understand why people apply those sentiments to someone who chooses to use that word. I think the context of any word should be garnered from the sentence that supports it in text, or the overall manner of the individual in speech. I think it is pretentious to judge a person without considering their intent or inhibiting their expression by enforcing prejudice on them falsely, especially for something as abstract and comparatively meaningless as the word 'whilst.' I don't consider that alone worthy of ascribing negative attributes to a real person.

I very much enjoy the English language for its ambiguity. It's more of an art than a science. Almost anything can be expressed in English with a specific intention and be perceived by another entirely differently. In order to communicate in English people have to struggle with meaning. I think that lends itself to a greater understanding and appreciation when people communicate successfully in English because it requires effort even from native speakers. Everything must be taken in context to be understood as it was intended. This ambiguity lends itself to a wider range of expression and possibly the potential for more meaningful communication. It feels good to be understood by another person that takes the time and effort to actually be understanding. It can be very rewarding.

There are many options in how one chooses to express themselves with English. Personal preferences aside, I don't particularly care if someone chooses to express themselves by using the word 'whilst' in preference over some more acceptable term, and although it may be connotive of smugness when used by a Usian, I would not assume that is a person's intention in its use. I consider it a word that is put more often to bad use than it is to good, but it is equally capable of both. I think English is a beautiful language, even if it is a bit harsh on the ears.

 

[kach22i]

I see the use of the word "Whilst" in many patent claims.

 

[rje]

Oh, it is correct to use 'whilst' in any situation that you would use 'while' in. As I said, they have exactly the same meaning and exactly the same usages. If it's just commonly used in whatever part of Canada you're in (I can't remember it), that explains it. It just seemed to be getting more common to me. It seems like I've been seeing it everywhere recently and I never used to.

The word whilst is not used in Canada, except perhaps by people who have immigrated to Canada from places that use the word. Canadians do not say "whilst".

I hate the word. It angers me when I read it on a forum. It strikes me as language from another era.

 

[rje]

I posted for two reasons. First because I dislike the word and probably the types who use it, and secondly. to bug you.