Something went wrong. Try again later

MattyFTM

Testes

14914 67415 382 48302
Forum Posts Wiki Points Following Followers

War of the mods.

So in a random PM reporting a thread that needed to be locked, a war has erupted between the British mods and the American mods over the word "revision" and the differences between British English and the dumb American English in general. I thought that I'd create a blog on it for two reasons. Firstly, I'm sure some of the community may be interested in the argument, and secondly, so we can stop annoying the chap who created the PM by constantly replying to it and reply here instead.

No Caption Provided

It's also worth noting that the debate has spilled over onto twitter:

No Caption Provided

And Formspring:

No Caption Provided
77 Comments

77 Comments

Avatar image for virago
Virago

2566

Forum Posts

453

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 2

Edited By Virago
@lordofultima: I feel your pain. Like writing "dreamt" because I don't say "I dreamed I was a puppy last night".
 
Why can't we just accept there are multiply meanings to one word? Use context, it's a great friend of the (British/ American/ Australian) English language .
Have fun on your meaningless argument, dudes!
<3 V
Avatar image for lordofultima
lordofultima

6592

Forum Posts

25303

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 9

Edited By lordofultima

The English language evolves over time, much like all languages. There's plenty of words in American history that have changed in actual definition and usage, new words have been introduced, others have been removed from the dictionary. This is why I don't read my PM's. I am one of the only Americans that uses the "t" ending for words like spell, spill, etc. SPELT, SPILT. THEY ARE WORDS I SWEAR IT.

Avatar image for tebbit
tebbit

4659

Forum Posts

861

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 6

Edited By tebbit

This explains the US schooling system!

In NZ, Europe, and Australia, we revise our knowledge.

In America, you learn, and then re-learn. That's progress for ya!

@HandsomeDevil said:

English people need to learn how to spell things. 
Colour? Humourous? Favour? Labour?

You tell 'em ZombiePie
 

We spelt it first! You copied it wrong. Maybe the fax ran out of ink.
Avatar image for epicsteve
EpicSteve

6908

Forum Posts

13016

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 89

User Lists: 11

Edited By EpicSteve

Revision means to look at something again. Changes may or not may ensue. 


To study means to learn or observe something. 

Red, white, and true. The land of the free, and Webster. 
Avatar image for brackynews
Brackynews

4385

Forum Posts

27681

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 48

Edited By Brackynews
@ZombiePie said:

Alright will any British English language sympathizers please tell me what nation our site has its HQ located in?

As a Canadian I will stay deliciously neutral on the issue, because we get our own damn dictionary in Word. But I love timely bombcast quotations.
I could find the exact quote timestamp from Jeff, but I'll paraphrase it as:
"I renamed that page because somebody already made it spelled S instead of Z. And as much as I respect our international audience, NOPE."

And to almost-quote Ryan in that same discussion: "Y'know, I'll grant you Zed-Ex Spectrum...".
THERE CAN BE PEACE IN OUR TIME.
Avatar image for thepickle
ThePickle

4704

Forum Posts

14415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 13

Edited By ThePickle

English people need to learn how to spell things. 


Colour? Humourous? Favour? Labour?

You tell 'em ZombiePie
 
Avatar image for daveyo520
Daveyo520

7766

Forum Posts

624

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 12

Edited By Daveyo520
@mracoon said:

Colour. Any other way you say spell it is wrong. Also, mum.

Stop putting Us in things!
Avatar image for daveyo520
Daveyo520

7766

Forum Posts

624

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 12

Edited By Daveyo520

Fight for what is right Zombie! Fight the evil tyranny! Revising doesn't even make sense! You are not revising something, you are not fixing it. You are studying! Let freedom ring ZombiePie!

Avatar image for wrathofconn
wrathofconn

1511

Forum Posts

10983

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 12

Edited By wrathofconn
@Sparklykiss: He's not wrong about our usage of that word, I just don't think this is a huge deal. Even though 're-vis' totally does mean look again, there's plenty of other bastardized meanings in lots of languages and that doesn't make one party here right or wrong.
Avatar image for emem
emem

2063

Forum Posts

13

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 6

Edited By emem
@damnable_fiend said:
you guys have way too much time on your hands
Agreed, the things people fight over.. never ceases to amaze me. 
Avatar image for sparklykiss
sparklykiss

2042

Forum Posts

3618

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 8

Edited By sparklykiss

ZombiePie is misrepresenting all of America. Shame.

Avatar image for mbkish
mbkish

255

Forum Posts

3

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By mbkish

I always thought that revise meant "reexamine and make alterations to." The word doesn't exist without the actual intent of alteration. If you are talking about looking at something again you would use the word review; as in "to view - again." Yes, they are very similar words, but one seems to require the intention of making change.

Avatar image for liquidswords
LiquidSwords

2728

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By LiquidSwords

 So much for unity
So much for you and me
So much for brotherhood and all the bullshit in between

  What side are you on?
Avatar image for sergio
Sergio

3663

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 13

Edited By Sergio

I think the bad teeth over there resulted in a lot of speech impediments. This caused the British version of English to evolve into something different from other English speaking countries with proper dental care - this excludes Boston accents. I don't know what the fuck is up with them.

Avatar image for cheapandtacky
cheapandtacky

139

Forum Posts

94

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By cheapandtacky
@MB said: As an American, I'd just like to say that eagles are bad ass. Also, the UK loses because English food is fucking terrible.           


 

Chocolate says hi and I mean chocolate not the brown waxy crap you guys eat. 

Avatar image for citizenkane
citizenkane

10894

Forum Posts

29122

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 106

Edited By citizenkane

If you guys think this is bad, imagine how it is when we try to order pizza.

Avatar image for wrathofconn
wrathofconn

1511

Forum Posts

10983

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 12

Edited By wrathofconn

If some people type out wiki entries with two spaces after every period instead of one, then why should this shit be standardized? Since there's no official rule about using American English over British English (or much of anything, really), why not keep the site a jumbled mess of personal preferences? Looking forward to wiki tasks based on these personal agendas, though.

Avatar image for falling_fast
falling_fast

2905

Forum Posts

189

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 6

Edited By falling_fast

you guys have way too much time on your hands

Avatar image for generalgrey
generalgrey

83

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 15

Edited By generalgrey

Personally, I think "reviewing" is more synonymous with revising than is "studying."  That said, not sure why this is such an issue...

Avatar image for chrisauk
Chrisauk

11

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By Chrisauk
Avatar image for jasta
jasta

2246

Forum Posts

1096

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By jasta

Revising would be the correct word.

Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator
@ZombiePie: I'm not implying that, I'm flat out saying it!!!!! Jesus, you Americans don't even know the meaning of the word "imply" 

And I think you should retire your status as a mod because you have a phobia of blood & can't stand seeing it. How can a mod on a video game website not like blood? Video games are a very bloody medium dude.
Avatar image for zombiepie
ZombiePie

9275

Forum Posts

94844

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 19

Edited By ZombiePie  Staff

@MattyFTM said:

@ZombiePie said:

Alright will any British English language sympathizers please tell me what nation our site has its HQ located in?

What does that have to do with anything? Sure, Giant Bomb is located in the US, but that doesn't change the argument that the US english sucks.

You are implying that the language of our site owners, creators, and staff speak an inferior version of the English language. You should retire your status right now.

Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator
@ZombiePie said:

Alright will any British English language sympathizers please tell me what nation our site has its HQ located in?

What does that have to do with anything? Sure, Giant Bomb is located in the US, but that doesn't change the argument that the US english sucks.
Avatar image for zombiepie
ZombiePie

9275

Forum Posts

94844

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 19

Edited By ZombiePie  Staff

@hicks91 said:

zombiepie is a fucking retard

Awesome!

Alright will any British English language sympathizers please tell me what nation our site has its HQ located in?

Avatar image for tehflan
TehFlan

1954

Forum Posts

693

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

Edited By TehFlan
@ZombiePie said:

Also I want to just say that it is "zero" not 'naught." I you can't pronounce the most basic numbers in your numerical system you are not civilized.

Also the letter "Z" is superior to the letter "S."

I just want you to know that you're my hero.
Avatar image for deactivated-59a31562f0e29
deactivated-59a31562f0e29

1212

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ZombiePie said:

Also I want to just say that it is "zero" not 'naught." I you can't pronounce the most basic numbers in your numerical system you are not civilized.

Also the letter "Z" is superior to the letter "S."

Nought and naught are different words.
Avatar image for godot
Godot

218

Forum Posts

17

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 4

Edited By Godot
@ZombiePie said:

Also I want to just say that it is "zero" not 'naught." I you can't pronounce the most basic numbers in your numerical system you are not civilized.

Also the letter "Z" is superior to the letter "S."

You could not be more wrong SombiePie.
Avatar image for slaker117
Slaker117

4873

Forum Posts

3305

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

Edited By Slaker117

I'm American and think the "-our" spelling of words looks more correct than the "-or" version, except for "color". I also like the British pronunciation of the letter "z", but only because it's dumb.

But yeah, it's "studying". Because I'm not crazy.

Avatar image for mento
Mento

4975

Forum Posts

552454

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 39

User Lists: 212

Edited By Mento  Moderator

This better not lead to a forum-wide schism. I don't want to have to choose between Giant Bomb USA and Tremendous Incendiary UK for video game features in the future.

I do like that there are enough Brits on here for this to become a debate, and not just a dozen "shut up limey" replies for every comment about colours or revision.

Avatar image for kyreo
Kyreo

4680

Forum Posts

5544

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 9

Edited By Kyreo

As much as I hate to do this, I have to agree with the Brits.

Avatar image for fallen189
Fallen189

5453

Forum Posts

10463

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 4

Edited By Fallen189

Lol 'merica

Avatar image for majesticoverlord
MajesticOverlord

191

Forum Posts

43

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By MajesticOverlord

ZombiePie is my Hero.

Avatar image for zombiepie
ZombiePie

9275

Forum Posts

94844

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 19

Edited By ZombiePie  Staff

Also I want to just say that it is "zero" not 'naught." I you can't pronounce the most basic numbers in your numerical system you are not civilized.

Also the letter "Z" is superior to the letter "S."

Avatar image for mfpantst
mfpantst

2660

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Edited By mfpantst
@MattyFTM: Ok, first link
The second definition having the british in italics is meant to connote a region specific usage.  HOWEVER, let me say this:

Mea Culpa

I am actually trying to make a point about the use and etymology of the word 'revise' and have been making a grave error in my choice of words.  The british specific definition is really what you may want to call an idiom.  I say this specifically because I'm realizing that you are interpreting my use of colloquial (and rightly so) as slang.  Which your use of 'revise' is most certainly not.  I should have used the term idiom.  And idiom is not a slang term- and may also be a perfectly acceptable formal term.  However, it may be culture specific and/or localized.  Which is what I would suggest your use of revise is.
Avatar image for a_dog
A_Dog

762

Forum Posts

311

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 7

Edited By A_Dog

Ha, say aluminium. Brilliant.
Also, haemoglobin needs that a. And to up the ante gaol, not jail. 

Avatar image for emem
emem

2063

Forum Posts

13

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 6

Edited By emem
@Oni said:
@Soap said:
Americans are dumb, don't let it get to you. 

They seem to think a sport that involves running and holding a ball 90% of the time should be called 'football' as well, shows what they know. 
I want to hold on to this post forever
Wow, almost fell off my chair reading this.
Avatar image for hicks91
hicks91

792

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By hicks91

zombiepie is a fucking retard

Avatar image for reygitano
ReyGitano

2493

Forum Posts

2112

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 10

Edited By ReyGitano

This has gone too far. As a Spaniard, I feel it is my duty to inform all of you, you are all using the English language incorrectly.

Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator
@mfpantst: Show me where the OED says that definition of revise is a colloquialism.
Avatar image for zombiepie
ZombiePie

9275

Forum Posts

94844

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 19

Edited By ZombiePie  Staff

Man...this is some BULLSHIT!

Avatar image for mfpantst
mfpantst

2660

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Edited By mfpantst
@MattyFTM: What I'm trying to say is that while 'revise' may be a word over in the UK you use every day to mean something like "I should be revising for my exams," that specific use is listed in your very own dictionary (Oxford, arbiter of all things english, no?) as the colloquial version specific to the following countries:
UK, New Zealand, Australia.  That should actually mean that it is being used in a very standard fashion in the UK when you say "I should be revising for my exams,"  I'm trying to say just because the usage is standard in formal and everyday use in your country does not invalidate it's status as a colloquialism.  However, I also do believe that the use of Study to mean "I should be studying for my exams" was actually a US localized use at one point- but no longer is.  Well, that last point could be debatable, because a sub-definition of the verb "Study" is "Study Up" and listed as a US colloquialism for the following definition "learn intensively about something, especially in preparation for a test of knowledge."  Unfortunately the term "study up" is not actually commonly used over here in the US, and we tend to say "Study" to mean the Oxford definition of "Study Up." 
However, my main point is that the actual verb use of Revise for "I should be revising for my exams" is listed as a colloquialism in the Oxford dictionary specific to British English.
Avatar image for sweep
sweep

10887

Forum Posts

3660

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 14

Edited By sweep  Moderator

@Azteck said:

Colour.

I SEE NO PROBLEM HERE

@dudeglove said:

No Caption Provided

It was going fine until you got here -___-

Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator
@mfpantst: Neither of those definitions are colloquial over here. They're both standard in both formal and everyday use. And I never said that the "edit" definition was wrong, I have only ever stated that the "study" definition was right. And it is right, and it's not a colloquialism.
Avatar image for mfpantst
mfpantst

2660

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Edited By mfpantst

 I find it with no small amount of satisfaction that in the Oxford dictionary listing for world english (exiting the US english page I am defaulted to), the definition of Revise you Brits are using is the colloquial version even there.  Making you all great dumbasses for not knowing your own language.  Now that being said, I must also (in fairness) point out that the very specific definition of Study we Americans are supposing you use is also a colloquialism, that is the use of the word to mean preparation for an immediate exam.  However, it is merely an extension of the base definition of Study as a verb whereas the definion of revise you brits are using is listed as a separate definition to the main definition, which is the word we Americans are using (reconsider and alter).  further,  @MattyFTM: it comes from both a latin and french word, becoming an English word 'officially' somewhere in the 1500's.  The definition was clarified in the 1500's as well to "to look over again with intent to improve or amend," from the original base definition of  "to look at again."  So not only is the way in which you are using Revise the colloquial method, it has meant the definition we Americans use Revise as for some time before there was an America.  So I guess it helps to always know thyself then.

Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator
Avatar image for mike
mike

18011

Forum Posts

23067

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: -1

User Lists: 6

Edited By mike
@LiquidSwords said:
No Caption Provided
As an American, I'd just like to say that eagles are bad ass. Also, the UK loses because English food is fucking terrible.
Avatar image for oni
Oni

2345

Forum Posts

5885

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 26

User Lists: 12

Edited By Oni
@Soap said:
Americans are dumb, don't let it get to you. 

They seem to think a sport that involves running and holding a ball 90% of the time should be called 'football' as well, shows what they know. 
I want to hold on to this post forever
Avatar image for afroman269
Afroman269

7440

Forum Posts

103

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 6

Edited By Afroman269

I don't revise lecture notes, I study/review them. Conform to my limited/correct American views. And while I'm here, it's theater, not theatre (EVEN THE GIANT BOMB SPELL CHECKER SAYS THEATRE IS WRONG). I only tolerate the U in color because of Pink Floyd. Also, I'm glad that my childhood in Ireland didn't result in me calling my mom, mum. 

Avatar image for s-a-n-jr
s-a-n-JR

3256

Forum Posts

2993

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 15

Edited By s-a-n-JR

Yes, "revising" is a perfectly adequate term to use in lieu of the word "studying". 


Also;

colour not color
plough not plow
cheque not check

Apparently your puny American minds can't handle one or two extra letters.