Q stands for Queue
It’s just something that we British like to do
We don’t form a line
Or a snake, tail or vine
Just call it a Queue – we’ll be fine
Forming a queue, whether it’s when waiting for a bus or a train, waiting for a shop to open, or at the cash register in a store, well it’s something that most British people were brought up to do, although sadly these days not everyone respects this great British tradition.
If anything it’s our downfall, as the BBC reported over the weekend on the 99th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. It was the British politeness that was probably responsible for a higher number of British people drowning than other nationalities, since they allowed others to board the lifeboats ahead of them.
I never thought much about the term “Queue” until I moved to Indiana in the mid 1990’s, and mentioned to someone one day about forming a queue, only to be met with a blank stare.
Of course in the USA people don’t form a queue, they make a line instead.
Looking back, this person probably had a mental picture of everyone trying to form a circle, with several of them standing out to make a tail, in other words a letter Q.
Language is a funny thing isn’t it, and I certainly found it awkward in the Midwest, trying to understand what people were saying to me, as well as trying to make them understand what I was trying to tell them.
So while you might be happy to form a line, or just gather at the doors like an angry mob waiting for them to open, me? I’m British, so I will just queue…
21 thoughts on “Q Is For Queue”
I didn’t realise this. This must be like telling the Americans about lorries, and tuition classes, or about being a school prefect.
Good post! I love differences in language and how confusing it can be sometimes. Thanks for the giggle I got when thinking about the look on the person’s face. 🙂
I’ve had the same puzzled response from Americans when I’ve used the word “fortnight”. It feels strange having to explain to a fellow English speaker that it means a period of two weeks.
It’s fun confusing the foreigners isn’t it lol 🙂
We don’t form queues, but we do get stuck in queues when we’re trying to call tech services or the billing department of various businesses! LOL I love the word. I wonder if it’s related in any way to the Chinese queue, the little pony tail Chinese men traditionally wore. Maybe because of the similar shape? I’ll have to look it up.
I wonder if it is related to the Chinese pony tail, never thought of that. I love exploring the different uses of words too.
If you think trying to relate to people in Indiana is bad, make a trip down south.
I moved to Florida after Indiana, and had friends in Tennessee and Alabama as well. The language changes dramatically doesn’t it.
In Canda we used to ‘line up’ but more of us now’queue’. I remember lines being shorter and more patient. And new arrivals to Canada bring a different understanding of waiting/not waiting in an orderly fashion. very disconcerting for those who queue. Good post.
With a lot more foreigners in the UK these days, as well as parents not teaching their children about queueing up, waiting for a bus is a lot worse than it used to be, since when one arrives it’s often a mad dash to see who can get on board first. It’s a shame that good manners are fast disappearing.
Made me giggle! Thanks…:)
It wasn’t until I started traveling abroad that I understood the queue. The word is getting more popular over here now.
I’m A-Z Blogging on Langley Writes about Writing and Langley’s Rich and Random Life
I laughed thinking about the person in Indiana. I knew about queues even though I’m American, as I’ve always loved British novels and shows. I like the word and think it sounds more interesting than line!
I never heard of a queue until I started reading Harry Potter. Now, i see it all the time on signs, especially in the theme parks.
Eddie Izzard did a piece about queues that was hilarious. Whenever I hear queue I think about Netflix or GameFly LOL
And those across the pond know how to spell it!
I’ve written quite a bit of content for a UK-based company’s many websites. As an American, one of my most important tasks in these pieces is to not sound like an American. ;O)
My A-Z Blogging “Q” post is right here: http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/2011/04/quest-for-quiet-quickie.html
LOL It is kinda funny but I have family in Indiana and I can see the blank stare. I’m not sure why but out here in California we know what a queue is…well if you speak english you do. lol or maybe that’s just me??? now I’m confused. I should take a poll and form a queue of people to take the poll.
In the USA just like in the UK, each region has it’s own way of speaking, and it’s not just the accent, it’s the words that are used as well. I assume the use of Queue or Line depends on the origins of the population in those areas. I know in Northern Indiana the percentage of people from England was below the average for the USA. In other parts of the USA the Spanish might play a part too, with the Spanish for a Queue being “Cola” or “Tail”. Who knows, but it’s fun 🙂
This story or yours is not a surprise to me. On the contrary, it brought back memory of how my first English teacher – back, when I was a child – taught me about British people forming a queue – everywhere and every time there’s more than one person waiting for something – no matter what! And I agree, it is a nice habit… 🙂
As you know, we queue in New Zealand. I hadn’t heard that story about the Titanic before. Interesting. Great post.