Naked Science Forum
General Discussion & Feedback => Radio Show & Podcast Feedback => Topic started by: Chris Havel on 01/04/2012 09:35:24
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Chris Havel asked the Naked Scientists:
Loved your show on lasers (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).
One of your guests, explaining that laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," went further to explain this is why the word is spelled with an "s" in the UK instead of a "z" the way it's done in the US.
I just wanted to clarify we don't spell laser with a z here, and never have.
;-)
Chris
What do you think?
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A bit of a clarification. Geeks and those who use "leet speak" often spell the word "laser" with a z, however when used professionally the word is indeed spelled with an s rather than a z.
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Granted. That kind of colloquialism is not particular to the US, however.
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Welcome, Chris!
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Actually, I think it is the British that spell LAZER with a "Z".
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_69A5hotwPJc%2FRrLYOtHJ3EI%2FAAAAAAAAAQg%2F9zJpWxNlCwo%2Fs400%2FSC10203.jpg&hash=b232e46609dddb8266d57b2819859790)
If you search for Lazer on the internet, you'll come up with a couple of radio stations, a business making sports gear, and the BRITISH Car.
Due to trademarks, businesses often choose unique spelling of their names, and "Z" gives a unique sound to the names.
Unfortunately, it also somewhat creates confusion. How many different types of LITE Beer can you buy?
One of the most misused terms based on the historical derivation is MODEM to indicate any device used to connect to the internet.