When is Next weekend and This weekend?

Question

Had this argument with friends. It was Sunday and someone referred to Next weekend as almost 2 weeks away. I argued that "Next" means the one coming (as in the next bus is the one coming after now). He said that the weekend coming is "This" weekend.

Anyone has the protocol on this matter.

Answer 1

Next weekend is the weekend coming up, no matter what part of the week you are at (including a weekend).  This weekend is either the weekend that just passed (on Monday or Tuesday, and maybe Wednesday, too...), the weekend (if it IS the weekend when you say it), or the coming weekend (on Thursday or Friday).

Answer 2

It depends on the day that the statement is made, and the context.  In the instance you outline above, you are correct.  

It's Monday - Have someone ask him what he did "this weekend".   I'll bet you $5 he tells what he did yesterday.  

And if they ask what is happening "next weekend", he'll refer to his plans for Memorial Day.

It's hard to define an absolute protocol, because of the fluid nature of how this is used...just like the term "a few" it changes with the context.  Use your judgement in the future, and tell your buddy he's a dufus.

Answer 3

I think you are both right.  If someone asks you, "What are you doing this weekend?" it means the weekend coming up.  If they ask, "What are you doing next weekend?" I still think it would mean the upcoming weekend, unless it was a Friday or Saturday, then it probably means the following.