Americanisms ~ if you love 'em or hate 'em, you should read this article here and see how you feel about it all. It is true that young people like to experiment, want to be thought cool by their peers and will do anything to appear different from their parents.
But if the current trend continues, by the time today's young people reach pension age, they may well be wondering why they're speaking American English in this country. It is odd that UK English expressions do not move across the Atlantic. It seems to be a one-way system.
The sixty-year olds of 2050 may find to their regret that it is too late and British English has gone for good. Which would be a shame, because there is so much to be valued, so many nuances of possible expression that would be lost. I hear young (and no doubt those who want to appear young but are no longer) presenters and reporters on television using Americanisms like 'incentivise' and talk of athletes who 'medalled' at the last Olympics. My hackles rise and I consider writing to the BBC, who should stand up for British English. American English is just fine - in America. But let's not have it over here.
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