Why do people refer to an engineer as a driver and running a train as driving a train ?

[ValleyX]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don’t say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, you go bike driving, not bike riding? I had no idea you blokes did it that way!

[ValleyX]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Well, in my language the english words “drive, ride, and run” are same as the word “drive”.
Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don’t say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, sometimes when I speak english associations about words come from my mother language, that’s why I usually make a mistake and say drive a train.

But I don’t think it makes much of a difference anyway, because you understand what I mean when I say drive a train.

[ValleyX]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Well, in my language the english words “drive, ride, and run” are same as the word “drive”.
Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don’t say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, you go bike driving instead of bike riding? I had no idea you blokes did it that way!

[ValleyX]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Well, in my language the english words “drive, ride, and run” are same as the word “drive”.
Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don’t say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, you go bike driving instead of bike riding? I had no idea you blokes did it that way!

[dknelson]

Do the Brits still refer to the person we would probably call a fireman as a “footplateman”? There aren’t any footplates now that steam locos and tenders are a thing of the past, yet that title lived on. On the other hand our firemen were not tending many fires either …

The bit about steering reminds me of a news article I read about a crossing accident and the reporter wrote that the engineer was “unable to steer the train” away from the car. And yet the NY Times says there is no need for reporters to go on Operation Lifesaver rides!

But it also reminds me of a story. The version I heard uses Irish names – no offense intended! Pat and Mike are brothers from the auld sod and Mike has come to American and become a steam locomotive engineer. Pat comes over to visit and Mike takes him for a ride in the cab. Pat is impressed with all the things Mike has learned to do to run the engine. As the train approaches a tunnel however Pat’s eyes become wide with terror: “Fer the love o’God, Mike,” he pleads, “don’t miss that hole!”
Dave Nelson

[Modelcar]

…Speaking of “blokes”…Some years ago I was in Great Brittain and walking in a parking lot a couple came by with one of those huge baby carriages and ran one wheel over my foot…and right away he said…“Sorry bloke”…

[ValleyX]

My apologies to the list, I don’t understand how I posted my comments four times. When I hit “Submit Reply”, it came up error. Hmmm, just when I thought I understood what I was doing. . . . . . . . . . . . .

[Modelcar]

…I just had the same experience with an “error” listing…

[samfp1943]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tulyar15

I find this arguing about words rather pointless. As long as we all know what we mean that’s what matters. English has more words than any other language so inevitably there are several words for driving etc. Within the British Isles different people use different words. For instance in Glasgow, they call their underground line ‘The Subway’.

Just as an aside I’m currently Spanish at evening classes and there are differences in words used between Latin America and European Spanish. Argentina seems to be developing its own distinct version of the language too, with even more English words in it

Sort of “SPANGLISH?” Eh, What! [:D][:D][:D]

[owlsroost]

QUOTE: Do the Brits still refer to the person we would probably call a fireman as a “footplateman”? There aren’t any footplates now that steam locos and tenders are a thing of the past, yet that title lived on. On the other hand our firemen were not tending many fires either …

We call a fireman a fireman - footplateman is a generic term covering both drivers and firemen (not that we have any firemen these days, other than on tourist lines and steam specials).

Tony

[wabash1]

Geez. I didnt know i was so confused, I dont ride a bike I drive one. The last bonnet i looked under got me a black eye. the hood is in LA the cripts have it. I didnt know people eat farts … I know i dont , i gave them up.

[Murphy_Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ValleyX

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Well, in my language the english words “drive, ride, and run” are same as the word “drive”.
Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don’t say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, you go bike driving instead of bike riding? I had no idea you blokes did it that way!

My kids always give me a hard time, when I mention sled ridding. That’s what we called it as kids.[:)]

[amtrakjackson]

IMO, it’s because many of the same people in the general public that say “drive” a train in the US actually DO believe locomotives have a steering wheel. You’d be surprised at how many people think they have one.