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mould and mold

(19 Posts)
Fennel Thu 26-May-22 19:06:40

I thought mould with a 'u' is the fungus type.
Mold without the 'u' shaping or forming.
Now it seems they're from the same concept. I can'tagree.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2022/may/26/rebel-rebel-people-who-broke-the-mould-in-pictures-janette-beckman

Mollygo Thu 26-May-22 19:13:36

My American friends use mold for either meaning, but we use mould for either meaning. Knowing two forms mean you can get higher scores in word games.

Oldnproud Thu 26-May-22 19:18:50

Mould is the preferred English spelling for both the fungus and the shaping/forming, and mold is the preferred American spelling for both of those things.

That's what Google suggested, and my Oxford Shorter dictionary agrees.

Witzend Sat 02-Jul-22 10:47:57

I use ‘mould’ for both. It irritates me when Brits use ‘mold’ but then I’m a fully paid-up Grumpy Old Pedant.

MissAdventure Sat 02-Jul-22 10:54:48

I would use mold for the making of something and molding it into shape, and 'mould' for fungus.
I no longer have any idea if that's right, or if it ever was.

MissAdventure Sat 02-Jul-22 10:56:33

Not so sure, now I've written it down.
I'd use whatever I thought at the time, I think.

annodomini Sat 02-Jul-22 11:22:20

Mould is Briish; mold is American English. Canada accepts both spellings. Australia agrees with mould.

henetha Sat 02-Jul-22 11:24:54

I always thought it was mould for both. It is in Devon, I think.
smile

MissAdventure Sat 02-Jul-22 11:24:59

So, mould is correct for both meanings, here?
I shall remember that (hopefully!)

sodapop Sat 02-Jul-22 13:05:16

I agree with annodomini mould is the English spelling for both things and mold the American spelling.
I do a lot of word games and get annoyed when the American spelling of any word is used, somehow feels like cheating.

grannydarkhair Sat 02-Jul-22 13:18:52

sodapop Totally agree, it’s very annoying. Especially if it stops you progressing to the next level of a game.

BlueBelle Sat 02-Jul-22 13:33:44

I use mould for both and I always thought American use Mold for both

ElaineI Sat 02-Jul-22 13:52:35

Never heard it being used as mold.

Katie59 Sat 02-Jul-22 13:57:58

Mold is a town in Wales

Mould is the Fungus and Shaping as with many “Americanisms” the “u” is omitted eg:- Color.

Greenfinch Sat 02-Jul-22 14:00:14

I have always thought they were interchangeable.

Liaise Sat 02-Jul-22 16:23:54

It reminds me of an advert from a furniture shop for a chest of draws. Surely they should know it is drawers.

Wheniwasyourage Sat 02-Jul-22 16:27:08

I agree that "mould" is the British spelling for both and "mold" the American one. Never been to Mold (yet). smile

MissAdventure Sat 02-Jul-22 16:52:19

Right.
Mould it is, then. smile

AGAA4 Sat 02-Jul-22 17:12:46

Definitely mould in Britain. In America they tend not to use 'u' in words as we do.