Gransnet forums

Pedants' corner

Use of the word "floor" instead of "ground"

(60 Posts)
fifeywifey Sat 22-Jan-22 14:15:57

When someone on the television describes a fall or collapse by someone in an outdoor setting they say "he/she just fell to the floor". If it's outside the word is "ground"! This irks me.
I should really change my user name to "Grumpygran". smile

Septimia Sat 22-Jan-22 14:23:58

It's one of the things that annoy me, too!

Josieann Sat 22-Jan-22 14:36:55

We were coming into London Heathrow once and could just see all the sights, when our young son announced, "we're not far off the floor!" There were some rather concerned looks!

Mamardoit Sat 22-Jan-22 14:39:36

It's not one that bothers me too much. Maybe that's why I haven't noticed it. Mixing up roof and ceiling is worse.

Marydoll Sat 22-Jan-22 14:41:16

It is one of my pet hates, fifewifey and becoming more prevalent on television.

Kali2 Sat 22-Jan-22 14:41:52

I am constantly amazed at the things that irks people.

Floradora9 Sat 22-Jan-22 14:46:29

Well it really annoys me .

Oldnproud Sat 22-Jan-22 14:49:14

As more and more of the 'ground' that we walk on has been covered with artificial surfaces, I'm not surprised that the difference between ground and floor has become less obvious, and that usage now reflects this.

Oldnproud Sat 22-Jan-22 14:51:52

For instance, outdoor decking - ground or floor, and why?
The same goes for artificial grass, which is simply outdoor carpet. Ground or floor?

Callistemon21 Sat 22-Jan-22 14:56:59

We'd say, "Oh, he's hit the deck" in this family!
Or "she" as it's more likely to be me.

Cherrytree59 Sat 22-Jan-22 15:08:28

A pet hate as I was always corrected by my mother or grandmother.

However when correcting my grandson he replied 'what about the forest floor'?
Which got me thinking
The ground (terra firma ) = natural substance , soil, grass etc.
Tar, concrete, block paving is another layer above ground so therefore a floor as such .

MaizieD Sat 22-Jan-22 15:16:43

I can't cay it bothers me too much.

Using 'room' instead of 'space' is the one that I notice more..

(Oh dear, KAli2, you'll never make a pedant
One thing 'irks', many things 'irk'...)

Katek Sat 22-Jan-22 15:17:25

This is one of my main shouting at the tv gripes! Outdoors ground, indoors floor and if you’re in any doubt just call ut by what it is …… “he fell to the decking”

ExDancer Sat 22-Jan-22 15:20:40

What about 'dirt' instead of 'soil'?

wicklowwinnie Sat 22-Jan-22 15:32:41

I can't say lounge- we were brought up to say sitting room or living room.
Lounges were for hotels and airports.
Likewise, it was never "toilet" just lavatory or loo.
Fortunately, loo is now in common usage.

Baggs Sat 22-Jan-22 15:59:10

My grandson was puzzled when I said something about a chair being "next-door". I meant in the next-door room but he, naturally, assumed I meant in our neighbours' house.

Since I lived in Dundee during the 1970s I've generally called what as a Lancastrian I called the sitting-room, the front room.

crazyH Sat 22-Jan-22 16:03:48

Ex-pats - does it mean ex-patriots ?

rafichagran Sat 22-Jan-22 16:05:46

Kali2

I am constantly amazed at the things that irks people.

Me too, must have too much time on your hands.

Callistemon21 Sat 22-Jan-22 16:08:50

Some people hit the ground running!!

Nannan2 Sat 22-Jan-22 16:27:19

No pref for 'ground' or 'floor' but don't generally use 'lounge' its always been living room, i know my gran always had a 'best' room or 'front room' they used only occasionally back in the old days, which is why a lot of older houses have 2 'reception' rooms- i'd quite like that.??

OurKid1 Sat 22-Jan-22 16:57:57

I've never noticed it, but I think I will now!! (As if I'm not a grammar pedant already ...)

Patsy70 Sat 22-Jan-22 16:58:56

Yes, one of my pet hates too. My OH often says it. He also says ‘jumper’ when referring to a ‘top’ . I dislike ‘lounge’ and call it a living room. Oh, don’t get me started …………. ?

MayBeMaw Sat 22-Jan-22 17:01:29

crazyH

Ex-pats - does it mean ex-patriots ?

No “expatriates. “

fifeywifey Sat 22-Jan-22 17:29:17

I thought I was the only person who shouts at the television **Katek.

fifeywifey Sat 22-Jan-22 17:45:07

ExDancer, you mentioned "dirt" rather than "soil". I wouldn't use "dirt" but would probably say "earth" rather than "soil".
It never fails to amaze me how the use of words differs regionally.