Why do they say holiday instead of vacation?

Vacation comes from the French vacances (in French the word is always plural) whereas British English uses a word that derives from Holy Day. Americans use “holiday” to mean an officially recognized day of significance, whether religious or not: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day (!!), etc.

What country says holiday instead of vacation?

In the US and most of Canada the term ‘vacation’ means taking earned time off from work to take a trip. In the UK, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries, people say ‘holiday’ to describe a going away from home for a period of leisure.

Is holiday the same as vacation?

If you are on holiday, you are spending a period of time away from work or school, or you are spending some time away from home enjoying yourself. … The usual American word for a longer period of time spent away from work or school, or for a period of time spent away from home enjoying yourself, is vacation.

What do British people say instead of vacation?

“Holiday” in British English is the equivalent to the American English word “vacation”.

How do Europeans say vacation?

Only English speakers say holiday. The rest of Europe have their own languages. Some people who think they speak dont have a great grip of the language so they say vacation instead of holiday.

What do they call holidays in Australia?

There are two significant national days, Australia Day (26 January) and Anzac Day (25 April), which are nationwide public holidays. When a public holiday occurs on a Friday or Monday, the three-day period is colloquially known as a “long weekend”.

What is the American word for holiday?

“Holiday” in British English is the equivalent to the American English word “vacation”. Here’s the difference: In American English, “holiday” refers to a specific day that’s, for some reason, more special than other days.

What is the British word for cookie?

Biscuit
Biscuit (UK) / Cookie (US)

In the UK, these are generally called biscuits, although people do call the bigger, softer kind cookies, too.

Do British say vacation?

Vacation isn’t used much in British English, except to refer to a period of time when a university is closed, but holiday is used in American English, where it means a national, legal day off, like Thanksgiving or Independence Day. … If it’s not Christmas, a bank holiday is normally on a Monday in the UK.

What do Scottish people call holidays?

Vacation time

well, you know the rest! In Scotland, all your hard work is rewarded with a generous amount of paid holiday time, because we know you deserve it. The holidays, known as ‘annual leave‘ are calculated based on the number of days you work.

Why do Americans say Happy holidays?

Holiday is derived from “holy day” meaning a religious observance so saying Happy Holidays is hardly more politically correct than Merry Christmas. It’s just trying to avoid saying Christ which would associate it with Christianity.