<p>Do any of you like to write "colour," "centre" and "encylycopaedia" instead of their more commonplace counterparts?
I've noticed some people on the forum do this. Is it just because they come from English speaking countries other than America, or they simply to write like that? Some of my friends, along with me, used to do it for a while until the teacher didn't notice it. (Don't ask)</p>
<p>I used to do it when I came from India but adjusted within a few months.
I remember arguing with my fourth grade teacher over favour vs favor.</p>
<p>I would find an American who writes in British spelling to be pretentious and phony. You are what you are: AN AMERICAN. You're not British, you're not Canadian, you're not European, and you never will be! You're a BBQ-ing, Superbowl-watching, Bush-voting, Budweiser-drinking, hotdog-eating American cowboy!</p>
<p>I do it because I'm a purist! :p Just kidding. I do it out of habit because, um, alot of my online friends are English, and many of the books I read are from English authors, so I am so used to seeing it that "realize" looks so wrong. I really ought to revert back, but it just looks so incorrect.</p>
<p>Actually, it's just my way of cyber-flirting with Tony Blair. </p>
<p>Just kidding.</p>
<p>I only add the "u"s in words like favourite, colour, favour, etc. In Canada, most people only go that far. Most people would probably think that "realise" is typo. I use "center" and "centre" interchangeably (I was under the impression that one referred to position while the other was a place).</p>
<p>I am English but mostly I spell the American way when dealing with Americans and try and remember the English (like cheque instead of check) way when dealing with English - like family. Same with speaking where there are also many differences. Then sometimes if I think about it too much I get confused and can't remember which is the English and which is the American way!</p>
<p>I write "grey" instead of "gray" but spell pretty much everything else the American way.</p>
<p>
[quote]
You are what you are: AN AMERICAN. You're not British, you're not Canadian, you're not European, and you never will be! You're a BBQ-ing, Superbowl-watching, Bush-voting, Budweiser-drinking, hotdog-eating American cowboy!
[/quote]
hmm... I haven't had a hotdog in 11 years. or BBQ. I've never had budweiser, or watched the superbowl. and I really don't think I'm a cowboy.
So does that mean I'm not an American?</p>
<p>
[quote]
I would find an American who writes in British spelling to be pretentious and phony. You are what you are: AN AMERICAN. You're not British, you're not Canadian, you're not European, and you never will be! You're a BBQ-ing, Superbowl-watching, Bush-voting, Budweiser-drinking, hotdog-eating American cowboy!
[/quote]
I never thought I would have to say this, but.... spelling snob, much?</p>
<p>All the spellings are correct. If I like favourite instead of favorite, does that make me a traitor to America?</p>
<p>EDIT: What you just described is a stereotype. Thanks for perpuated the notion of stupid Americans!</p>
<p>Well I had an excuse, I'm not really American. I thought it was cool when I was like 13. However, now I can see how that might look "haughty."</p>
<p>Kewl. I'm haughty.</p>
<p>"I would find an American who writes in British spelling to be pretentious and phony. You are what you are: AN AMERICAN. You're not British, you're not Canadian, you're not European, and you never will be! You're a BBQ-ing, Superbowl-watching, Bush-voting, Budweiser-drinking, hotdog-eating American cowboy!"</p>
<p>LOL :)</p>
<p>hahaha
Until recently I thought that "neighboUr" was the only way to spell that word.</p>
<p>I know Brits who've lived in the USA for decades and who still use British spelling. I think it's willful, but I also think it doesn't matter much.</p>
<p>The NYT deletes vowels whenever it can, to save space for advertising I think. Foregoing is now forgoing, foregone is now forgone, etc. Crude! </p>
<p>Judgment/Judgement is one I just can't get used to...</p>