Why has the term "railway station" been replaced by the term "train station" in modern society?

Question

Why has the term "railway station" been replaced by the term "train station" in modern society?

Answer 1

It's definately an Americanism. They even talk about "train tracks" instead of "railway lines". At least it's not universal - yet.



The BBC (especially the News people) is to blame for most of this degradation of the English language. They use the excuse that the lingo has to 'evolve' to justify themselves showing off how "cosmopolitan" they are.

Followed closely by Microsoft.

It became significant about 20 years ago when they (the BBC and media) forced us to accept the American "billion" (1,000,000,000) instead of the correct British "billion" (1,000,000,000,000).

Now "they" are telling us that politicians "run for office" instead of "standing for election".

I've noticed "airplane" and "center" creeping in and seen "truck stops" where there used to be transport cafes.

What next - "momentarily" instead of "soon"? We need an English language equivalent of the Acadamie Francais, or at least a less "Right On" bunch at the OED.

Answer 2

Its all to do with them yanks.

Its also easier to spell for them yanks, so being the 51st state we have to agree and do everything the americans say.

As a railway employee, I say its a Railway Station.

People with tickets are customers, people without tickets are passengers.

Answer 3

It is another example of dumbing down the English language.

I will always refer to a railway station, and am prepared to correct others.  Perhaps that is why I am so popular at parties.

Answer 4

It's an awful 'Americanism' we seem to have (allowed ! to be) imported here.  'Railways Station' is what it OUGHT  to be and is.

As for the American preference for 'lessening the syllables,' they actually and frequently do the reverse.  Example:  When was the last time you heard and American refer to 'a car'?  Informally ...maybe, but otherwise it is always an 'Automobile,' and depending on just where the speaker originates, then that word can be a h**l of a lot longer too.

Sash.

Answer 5

It's just another one of these "Change for changes' sake" things - on the pretext that it will improve things, rather like changing the word "Passenger" to "Customer". Just look how much THAT helped everybody ! ! !

Answer 6

lol personally I'd would say train station, I'd say that as its a station for trains.

lol its not a station on a train, its a station for a train (referring to lower answer)

Answer 7

pc brigade again as trains stop there and  the rails go sraight on they think its not right as the rails do not stop there

   I know this is a reason they would give  its best to agree with them as it gives them a bigger ego     lol

Answer 8

I've also noticed this - obviously "railway" is too big a word for people today.

Answer 9

It probably comes from America, along with so much other corruption of our language, society, politicians and culture.

Answer 10

I  agree thatb it is an Americanism which has crept in in the last few years. It can even be heard on the BBC (shudder of horror)

Answer 11

Easier to spell

Answer 12

I dont know that it has...

Answer 13

I'd say Railway Station not train station.

All the signposts I've seen pointing to Railway Stations say Railway Station.

It's a station on a Railway network not a station on a train.

Answer 14

I think its something to do with Ivor the engine, Children like the word "Train" Station, but not Railway Station.  !

Answer 15

"Railway station" has too many syllables and has a dusty, Victorian feel about it.

Answer 16

To spoil the joke "Where would you go to find the mass of a whale?" "At a whale weigh station".

Answer 17

Come the glorious day, we will expunge all Americanisms from the English language and forcibly convert all burger outlets into fish and chip shops.  But for as long as we behave as the 51st State, it's train stations and customers.