Down with the lingo

THE BBC website was inundated when readers were asked to nominate their least favourite Americanisms which have percolated to this side of the pond.

American contributors to the debate say the southern English should be less concerned about transatlantic terminology and learn to pronounce the letter R. Ah couldnae agree merr. I get fed up with Boris Johnson being described on the BBC news as the meh of London. Although Boris often comes across as sheepish.The inescapable fact is that much of our modern culture comes from the USA. There are many more Yanks than Brits. You do the math. Or the arith, since it involves counting. Or is it geometry? Go figure.All BBC newsreaders should be told to speak more like Eddie Mair. One of the worst exponents of the Queen's English is Her Majesty herself. Pronounciationwise, it is time the Queen put her hice in order.Many of the BBC respondents got their panties in a twist over the word gotten. Turns out this is old English usage which the Americans have retained. Doesn't affect me because I speak Scottish and prefer the past participle, "goat". Like I say when my computer goes ping, Ah've goat mail.Personally, I'm good with Americanisms. I don't mean skilful or adept at their use. Just cool about it. Or, to use an Englishism: "Am I bovvered?"Over there, in a takeaway (or cairry-oot) eaterie, you can ask for plastic silverware. Or ask where the restrooms are and add: "I'm bursting for a rest." It's awesome. Or, as we say over here, ordinary.Americanspeak can be entertaining. Like cutlery being called silverware.American? English? Scottish? I say vive la difference.

American? English? Scottish? I say vive la difference.