Who put American English into room 101?

[Beatrice35]

Was it Ricky Gervais or Stephen Fry who put American English( American words- twisting of our British English) into room 101? Loved this show with Paul Merton!! We invented English yet the American wanted to change it to personalise it to their own- why couldn't they invent a whole new language instead of chopping our one into peices?! What is worse, even more maddening, is that we here in the UK even take some of the US words into our dictionary!! We could just scoff their stupid words then say a big NO to theirs so keep our language+ dictionaries pure of Americanisms- this would be far better!! Keep your proactive, your fawcet + all your other lame American words away from our shores!! We invented English and our English is far superior to yours! All that is bad about America- including Macdonalds and Pampers- disposable nappies ( take 200-500 years to decompose)- we foolishly take here- enough is enough!!
Feel better now- just wanted to get on my high shire horse!!

[chrisrob]

is "fawcet" the american spelling?
The word "faucet" entered English from the French in the 15th century.

[Beatrice35]

Sorry, think it is Faucet! French can be a silly language anyhow at times! What is wrong with the word tap- much quicker to say anyhow!! Like some aspects of America just not their negative influences or their culture or language that is all.

Encourage everyone here if you use the word Pro-active to replace it with Dynamic or Positive. On a campaign or preserve our language + ditch all American naff words from our shores! Cringe when hear anyone say Proactive - it is as offensive as a swear word to my ears.
Beatrice ;-)

[another-view]

We certainly didn't "invent" English. And using "lame" to describe something inferior is certainly American.

If everyone listened to you, we would still be going around saying, "Verily Mr Darcy, you vex me so".

[Beatrice35]

Oh my gosh- that is scary that have just used an American word!! Just goes to show how Americanisms seep in to your consciousness everywhere that you do not even know you are using them- like a hide behind the sofa Dr Who episode!
If more people were around like me Britain would be pretty sublime/fantastic actually. Do not say verily yet adore Mr Darcy;-) Need to challenge concepts, words, fashions- not just accept them like lost sheep! Love the vibrancy of the English language- the variety of all the different languages from all around the world melted in the pot that is the English Language. Like new words just as like new music yet will not accept anything just because the majority use it or like it! Embrace the best of what is new with what is old. Good with technology yet still great with old fashioned means of communication as well as well mannered. Now really must have something to eat- rumblings in my tummy!
Ciao, Beatrice35

[Quizmonster]

"Beatrice, you speak of (quote): "the variety of all the different languages from all around the world melted in the pot that is the English Language". You seem to be convinced that American English is a different language, too, given that you also refer to (quote): "their culture or language".
Given that, why should you object to their words and phrases also being added into our great melting-pot? It never ceases to amaze me the way some British people manage to convince themselves that American English is some kind of great evil that must be fought, when it is actually among the most vibrant of the many differing versions of English...West Indian, Indian, Australian, South African etc.
The other thing is the fact that some of their so-called chopping and changing is nothing of the sort...rather it is we Brits who changed things whilst the Americans stuck with the original version. For example, when Sir Humphry Davy discovered what we now call aluminim, he actually called it aluminum, with no second letter i. Only the editor of a Briftish scientific magazine altered it to the modern British spelling. Surely the discoverer of something has the right to name it! So, what do we find now? The Anericans still call it aluminum! Who got it wrong, them or us?
The plain fact is, ma'am, that Americanisms are here to stay, so you might as well either enjoy them or ignore them. If you don't, you're going to be beating your head against a brick wall for the rest of your days.

[Quizmonster]

Oops! I missed the u out before the final m in aluminium above.

[fredpuli47]

Are Americanisms not English ? Many are older than America, and by a long way:

faucet: a tap [Late Middle English]
Fall : Autumn [ mid-C16]
dumb: stupid [ Middle English ]
cute: clever, ingenious [early C18 ]

and two rarely heard in Britain, where they're rather archaic:
atop : on top of [mid C17]
behove/behoove : as in 'it behoves him ' meaning he is morally obliged , ought (to do) [Old English]

They've lost some too: you never hear 'fortnight' [Old English] there.

True American words which we've adopted are not to be distinguished from new words we've 'borrowed' from foreign languages.If they serve a purpose, fill a need, are useful, they are welcomed and become current.So they should.

Some Americanisms , however, are just irritating. e.g the grandiose 'transportation' for 'transport'. Hopefully [ a useful American adverb for this] we'll continue to say 'transport' and leave 'transportation' for bureaucrats and managers.

[Beatrice35]

Most enjoyable reading the last two threads! Hey, never hit my head against a brick wall as not a masochist! Some of your points are valid methinks. Yet, there are still some Americanisms which are most frustrating to say the least. Some English words are ugly, too, need to be given the boot especially swear words, yet this is never going to happen so just have to live with them unfortunately! Enjoy a debate especially with erudite individuals. Though tire easily so fickle with this conversation now - want to move on to other matters. Carry on this debate with others if you like, yet, as for me bowing out! Thanks for your input- really made me smile!! Ciao, Beatrice35