I have 'translated' the language file for British users, with subscriptions several new words need changing such as cheque, as well as the usual colour, cancelled, 'ise etc.
spellings aside, what about idioms? for me, they are actually more problematic than spellings. for instance, every time a new version of ubb threads comes out, i need to whack all the 'buddies' (ugh!) out of the system! as well as a few other terms which might be just fine in american english, but that absolutely rankle with other englishes!
JakChat.com -- Forums for Indonesia's English-speaking community Ubuntu-Indonesia.com -- Forums for Indonesia's Ubuntu Users
Ok, I have to ask... What is wrong with "Buddies"? I'm absolutely on my toes trying to figure out what the "other englishes" refer to specific words as lol...
in contemporary use, calling someone 'buddy' in britain and the antipodes usually heralds the commencement of an all-out brawl. it means 'friend' in the most hostile of manners!
JakChat.com -- Forums for Indonesia's English-speaking community Ubuntu-Indonesia.com -- Forums for Indonesia's Ubuntu Users
I've never heard buddy used in the UK. And I've only heard it used (outside of movies) overseas. I've used the term myself whilst scuba diving. (In its most positive context - the buddy system)
If someone called me buddy, I would have no reason to construe it as offensive.
I use the word friend for very close 'friends', people who I trust and have known for years.
I suppose I would use buddy in a similar fashion to mate, chum, mucker etc - someone who I'd enjoy a pint with but wouldn't share my murky secrets with.