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Hello,  Is the term 'English English' ever used? That is, is it appropriate to be used interchangeably with the term 'British English'?  Thanks.  Kat

Pieanne · Accepted Answer

I've only ever heard of "British English" as opposed to "American English"... But wait for the natives.

Nona the brit · Answer

No because Britain contains more than just England. You'll annoy a lot of Scots and Welsh and Irish people if you start saying English English.

Katarina · Answer

Nona The BritNo because Britain contains more than just England. You'll annoy a lot of Scots and Welsh and Irish people if you start saying English English.

Okay! I'll be more cautious with the terminology then!

Another related question then, to Nona:

Is is okay to refer to a British by 'British'? or is it that the British don't usually like that and they insist on specifying (i.e. Irish, Welsh, Scottish, English).

One more question:

What's the difference between Scot, Scottish and Scotch.

I really appreciate the help!!

Kat

Nona the brit · Answer

A Scot (noun) is Scottish (adj) and they drink Scotch (whisky!). No ok, Scotch gets used as an adj sometimes but not really for people I think. I'm not Scottish though so I'm not 100% sure.

As for the British or English, Welsh, Scottish etc, that really is down to personal preference. Be careful about Irish though as Eire (southern Ireland is not part of the UK and they will be very upset if you call them British). In fact, even those from Northern Ireland are usually called Irish rather than British. I think you'll also find the welsh and Scots are more inclined to prefer their own nationality than 'British'. Some English are fussy about it, some aren't.

Sorry I know that all sounds confusing! There aren't really any set rules, but the worst crime you can commit is to use English to cover everybody!

Sam C · Answer

Nona The BritA Scot (noun) is Scottish (adj) and they drink Scotch (whisky!). No ok, Scotch gets used as an adj sometimes but not really for people I think. I'm not Scottish though so I'm not 100% sure.

i don't think you'll find many scots who drink 'scotch'. it's usually 'whisky', in my circles anyway, and it's usually spoken[,] so there's no need to quibble over the whiskey/whisky distinction.

'scotch' meaning 'whisky' is a sure sign of a sassenach. it isn't really a word that crops up too often, outwith 'scotch mist' and a handful of other locutions that is.

sam

Nona the brit · Answer

Ah well, I did say I wasn't an expert

I know most people say whisky/whiskey apart from us down here saying 'Scotch on the rocks'!

Would you agree with the rest of what I said though? It is quite a confusing issue overall...

Sam C · Answer

I know most people say whisky/whiskey apart from us down here saying 'Scotch on the rocks'!

och no, heaven's forbid, whit wuid we want to be pollutin' oor uisge beathawith ice for, now!

Would you agree with the rest of what I said though? It is quite a confusing issue overall...

yes, i'll go with that, nona - it is pretty intricate.

sam

Clive · Answer

Hi Nona,

In fact, even those from Northern Ireland are usually called Irish rather than British.

When I lived in England, the cover of my passport referred to 'Great Britain and Northern Ireland'. Is the official name of what you guys cobbled together not The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland? So, what are we poor Ulstermen supposed to call ourselves?

Best wishes, Clive

Nona the brit · Answer

Aaaaaargh I don't know.

I think I'll call myself a cab and run away from this thread!

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Was it two of the Marx brothers who had an exchange like this?

'Call me a cab!'

'OK, you're a cab.'

Clive

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