SCALES

[pythia_dreaming]

Ok, do you refer to the things that you stand on in the bathroom to tell your weight as 'scales' or as 'a scale'?

I've always thought of it as scales. "Hop on the scales," etc.
BUT according to various Americans I know, they don't. "Get on the scale."

ANYWAY, Liz, that's the word I was thinking of! :P

Comments

[anarchangel23.livejournal.com]

In my NZ experience, scales.

c.f. Maths & math.

[graeco-celt.livejournal.com]

Except, of course, that 'math' is WRONG!!!! :D

Mathematics is an umbrella term for lots of things, so it seems right that it should be plural.

Weirdly enough, I have no problem with 'science' as an umbrella terms, as well as 'the sciences'.

*sigh*
Stupid inconsistent brain.

[graeco-celt.livejournal.com]

Scales, plural.

Leftover, I assume, from the traditional style:



which did actually have two parts (well,three, if oyu count the stand).
I have to believe this, otherwise my linguistic foundations will crumble around me. :D

[adrexia.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking of. They are also called "a set of scales". I'm not sure how relevant it is anymore though.

But I guess "scales" separates the device used for measuring from the measure itself.

[graeco-celt.livejournal.com]

Mmm, good point.
You know, I think I've only ever heard 'set of scales' in reference to the old ones (which is when I would use it).

[pythia.livejournal.com]

That was what I said, as well.

[graeco-celt.livejournal.com]

And we are, of course, right. :D

[world-worn-soul.livejournal.com]

Here in the good ole U S of A... We say scales. ;-)

[2nd-ascention.livejournal.com]

Really? We do? because when I weigh myself I step on a scale. Not scales. ;)

[pythia.livejournal.com]

Ben, it appears you're something of a freak of nature in America. But that's nothing we didn't already know. :P

[dazyndara.livejournal.com]

Hehe those crazy americans :P

[sitonacid.livejournal.com]

Scale. Scales, wtf?

[sitonacid.livejournal.com]

by that i meant i say "scale".