Accents

[hanratty21]

the one i hate the most is standing in line(good) and standing on line(bad)

there is no line drawn on the ground, you're standing in a line.

I had this argument (and believe I posted here) a few years back with my girlfriend. We got to a point where we contacted someone from Merriam Webster to get an official answer. I'll have to find the email, but it was deemed that either is appropriate, but geographically focused. Areas of the Northeast (including Boston and NY) have adopted the on line usage regardless of whether a line is painted or not. On line, not on-the-line.

[WannaBe_80z]

IN it's ****ing IN. You're IN a line.

or if over seas in a queue

[hanratty21]

Found it...

>Hi - I have a grammar question. My girlfriend and I are always having
>an argument about which term is correct to describe a line of people
>waiting for something (movie tickets...checkout counter, etc.)
>
>If you are waiting, are you waiting on line, or waiting in line?

Dear Mr. Hanratty:

As explained in the following article from Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, the use of "on line"
instead of "in line" seems to have originated in New York City, but now appears to be spreading. (When I was growing up on eastern Long Island in the late 1960's through early 1980's, "on line" was already quite well entrenched there, so I would imagine that it has probably extended itself even farther by now.)

So who's right? As dissatisfying as my answer may seem, I'm afraid that you both are. The simple fact is that no two English speakers use the language in exactly the same way, so there are always going to be regional--and individual--variations in pronunciation, meaning, usage, etc. Some English speakers differentiate between the first vowel sound in "Mary," "marry," and "merry"; others do not. Some speakers call a sweet, carbonated beverage a "soda," while others call it a "pop" or a "tonic." None of these variations is more valid than the others; they're simply used by different people living in different places. My advice, then, is to bury the hatchet over this one--or at least avoid lines for the immediately foreseeable future!

I hope these comments are helpful.

Sincerely,

Karen Wilkinson
Associate Editor
Merriam-Webster, Inc.

[jAQUAN]

I'm on line right now, but there's no one else here.

[david petley]

imo ...If they are queuing for a bus they might stand 'in line' or 'in a line', but unless there is a line painted on the ground, they don't stand on line.

dp

[hanratty21]

Well, as they say, opinions are like a-holes...everyone's got one and they all smell like sh*t. That is also why I went to a reputable source for the proper answer.

Incidentally, wouldn't the term 'stand on line' when referring to standing on top of a painted line be poor grammar as well? It would be similar to saying 'I stand on floor' or 'I stand on desk.' Unless you are Borat, I think not.

[david petley]

Incidentally, wouldn't the term 'stand on line' when referring to standing on top of a painted line be poor grammar as well? It would be similar to saying 'I stand on floor' or 'I stand on desk.' Unless you are Borat, I think not.

...I suppose so, but I guess opinions are like arseholes...as you say.

dp

[mave_the_rave]

I have always lived in London (England)

Back in the 50's eveyone formed an orderly queue.

For the bus
For a loaf of bread at the bakers, then for yor meat at the butchers
then again for your veg. at the greengrocers...

You spent hours in line queueing

These days there are no queues for buses.. just a great mob.

Although were I live in East Dulwich people still queue at our very fine butchers.

This has nothing to do with 'Accents' ... Although in a queue, you are bound
to hear a few....

[silverx2]

...I suppose so, but I guess opinions are like arseholes...as you say.

dp

the only time standing on line is appropriate is when your standing on a starting line.

[scudsucker]

I'm a Zimbabwean, and visited London at a time when there was a tube strike.

The crazy, pushy mobs at the bus stop on Oxford St. had to be controlled by police.. when, less than 500m further down the road there was a bus stop (with near empty buses stopping) with no-one waiting? A short walk guaranteed me a place.

I used to think the civilised Brits invented queueing - clearly the art is lost.

As for accents: Irish, Scots, NZ, and deep south USA (but only female voices) rock - but then I listen to a lot of obscure country music.

Not so sure about Gerbick's opinion of S.A. women's accents, I live in Cape Town. There are several culture-specific accents even within the city.. none of which are very appealing.

[moath86]

Borat's accent is the new Megan fox.
it pwns any other accent anyday!
GREAT SUCCESS!

[Frets]

I wait in line.

[hanratty21]

the only time standing on line is appropriate is when your standing on a starting line.

You'd then have a foot fault or false start as you need to be behind that particular line, so...no.

[WatchCrow]

I think I like the Australion accent the best.

I live in Scotland, but I don't really have much an accent myself, most people I know don't. I don't go around saying 'aye' or 'nae' or anything.

[david petley]

I think I like the Australion accent the best.

I live in Scotland, but I don't really have much an accent myself, most people I know don't. I don't go around saying 'aye' or 'nae' or anything.

och ay on Australion accents laddie, but y've nae heard Kath & Kim I'd wager.

davidp