I have always wondered why it wasn't 2WW or 1WW since that is the way I tend to speak of them more than WW2. I wonder, semantically speaking, if it is an American Language vs British [Commonwealth] difference. Would appreciate hearing what others think of this lingustic convention. cheers, phil
Semantics - 'WW2', or 'WWII' ? I have no particular favourite, but what I do not like to see is WW11 posted, as sometimes happens. I suppose that WWII is more European as it uses old Roman numerals Regards Tom
Thought I'd key it in to see what I would do automatically. WW2 ? WWII ? No contest, as far as I am concerned WW2 every time Ron
"World War Two" in a sentance; prefer the Roman numerals version but the 'II' bit can look like 'small Ls' in certain typefaces, so use "WW2" usually
Google Hits: WW2 - c.12,700,000 WWII - c.15,300,000 I always think, rightly or wrongly, Of 'WWII' as a primarily American usage, or maybe more suited to dramatic film posters. Hmm, restricting Google hits to a UK search: WW2 - c.1,720,000 WWII - c.862,000
WW2 it comes to mind 99% of the time.........and to be honest I aint got a clue how to write it with the Roman numerals on the computer anyway
I have always wondered why it wasn't 2WW or 1WW since that is the way I tend to speak of them more than WW2. I wonder, semantically speaking, if it is an American Language vs British [Commonwealth] difference. Would appreciate hearing what others think of this lingustic convention. cheers, phil In the British Commonwealth, 'The Second World War' is still preferred; this seems to have been established by Churchill's six-volume memoir/history of the conflict, the first volume of which was published in 1948. A year later the first volume of the massive official British government history of the war came out, and it took its lead from Churchill. So the label stuck.
In the British Commonwealth, 'The Second World War' is still preferred; I agree, I say that when speaking but it wasn't a votable option.
I agree, I say that when speaking but it wasn't a votable option. It wouldn't be, since I was wondering about abbreviations, would it. :p Though I'd also agree that 'The Second World War' is the 'official' English title.
I use WW2 for web indexing (eg when posting YouTube videos) as I've always assumed this to be the most popular abbreviation. However, as a Brit, I was always brought up with 'First World War' and 'Second World War', not 'World War One' etc. Putting on my anorak, I remember that the British changed from Roman to Arabic numerals in their technical nomenclature in 1944, so 'VII' on a .303 cartidge headstamp was superceded by '7'. I have a 1944 Sten Gun stamped 'Mk.V' and a 1945 example stamped 'Mk.5', so I'm sticking to 'WW2'! - Pete
However, as a Brit, I was always brought up with 'First World War' and 'Second World War', not 'World War One' etc. I prefer to use 'The Great War'.
I always use WWII, but when writing it out, use the Second World War. Go figure. WW2 is rarely used here, to my notice and when I google something, I use WWII. I guess I may be missing some sites by limiting my searches to only WWII. WW11 irks me. Don't even get me started on terminology for the 1861-1865 war here on the North American continent.