What's the difference between mall and shopping mall?:blushing:

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between the terms "mall" and "shopping mall," exploring their meanings, usage in different contexts, and regional variations. Participants examine both contemporary and historical interpretations, as well as personal observations related to the concept of malls.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that in everyday American speech, "mall" is commonly understood as a shorthand for "shopping mall."
  • Others note that "mall" may have different meanings in historical or literary contexts, such as referring to a promenade or pedestrian area.
  • A participant mentions the existence of various types of malls, including auto malls and flea malls, indicating a broader application of the term.
  • One participant points out that the usage of "mall" can depend on geographic location, with a specific reference to North America where it primarily denotes a shopping center.
  • Another participant elaborates on the concept of "mall-districts" and compares them to pedestrian districts, highlighting regional naming conventions.
  • A participant shares an observation about the usage of malls in their area, noting that they are frequented by joggers before opening hours, which adds a personal anecdote to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the definitions and usages of "mall" and "shopping mall," indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions provided by participants may depend on specific cultural or regional contexts, and there are unresolved nuances regarding the historical evolution of the term "mall."

Lisa!
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What's the difference between mall and shopping mall?:blushing:
 
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Lisa! said:
What's the difference between mall and shopping mall?:blushing:

From Merriam-Webster,

http://www.C.com/dictionary/mall ,

an evolution of meaning can be seen.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


No difference. When you've seen a mall, you've seen 'em all.
 


In common everyday American speech, "mall" is short for "shopping mall".

"Mall" might have a different meaning in other literary or historical contexts, though:

1: an alley used for pall-mall2 [The Mall, promenade in London, originally a pall-mall alley] a: a usually public area often set with shade trees and designed as a promenade or as a pedestrian walk b: a usually paved or grassy strip between two roadways3 a: an urban shopping area featuring a variety of shops surrounding a usually open-air concourse reserved for pedestrian traffic b: a usually large suburban building or group of buildings containing various shops with associated passageways
 


Besides (shopping) malls, I've seen auto malls and flea malls.
 


Hi, Lisa!
I suspect that it depends upon where you live. In North America, the word 'mall' is just about never used other than for a shopping centre. As far as I know, that's the only official definition, and the concept arose somewhere in your neck of the woods (Babylon, I think). Once in a while, I've heard it applied to outdoor gathering areas such as a university quad, but that's incorrect usage.

edit: Oops! Got beaten to it. Good post, Zoob.
 


To elaborate, there are some cities that have a "mall-district" which is the same as a pedestrian district (but sounds less "pedestrian"). There is also "The Mall" in the center of Washington DC. In New England, the same thing would be called "The Green."
 


Thank you very much all of you.:smile:
I really appreciate your help.
 


zoobyshoe said:
1: an alley used for pall-mall2 [The Mall, promenade in London, originally a pall-mall alley] a: a usually public area often set with shade trees and designed as a promenade or as a pedestrian walk b: a usually paved or grassy strip between two roadways3 a: an urban shopping area featuring a variety of shops surrounding a usually open-air concourse reserved for pedestrian traffic b: a usually large suburban building or group of buildings containing various shops with associated passageways
Very interesting indeed. I was quite surprised to discover once that
  • Mall shops are open only after 09:30 around here
  • Before 09:30, the mall is full with joggers, or at least fast walking smiling people, most often discussing by pairs
They more or less follow the shape of the walls, describing the entire inside perimeter of the building. I guess it's too hot in summer and too cold in winter to risk oneself into wild animal/flower encounters in public parks.
 

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