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Anonymous Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

program vs. programme

It is well known, I believe, that 'programme' spelt in this way is considered BrE, while 'program' AmE. I wanted to ask does this rule oficially apply to computer language as well? Meaning, do Brits talk of 'computer programmes' or 'computer programs'?

Thanks in advance...
  

Top answer

Hello Anon It's usual now to use "program" in BrE, when you're referring to a computer program. Similarly, you use "disk" in all pc-related contexts, rather than "disc". MrP

— MrPedantic

  • Hello Anon It's usual now to use "program" in BrE, when you're referring to a computer program.
  • Similarly, you use "disk" in all pc-related contexts, rather than "disc".
  • MrP
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4 Answers
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Hello Anon

It's usual now to use "program" in BrE, when you're referring to a computer program.

Similarly, you use "disk" in all pc-related contexts, rather than "disc".

MrP
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MrPedanticHello Anon

It's usual now to use "program" in BrE, when you're referring to a computer program.

Similarly, you use "disk" in all pc-related contexts, rather than "disc".

MrP

Hey, thanks
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Sorry, you're right – "compact disc". I was thinking of "floppy disk", hard disk", "disk drive", etc.

You wouldn't be wrong, if you used "programme"; but the general tendency is to use "program" in a software context, and "programme" in an entertainment context.

MrP
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Disk is used when refering to magnetic storage, however 'disc' is used when refering to optical storage.

Also 'program' is only used in Britain to refer to PC related things because 'programs' where primarily invented in the USA so they call them 'programs' thus everybody else did.
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