The map above shows how people refer to the period between summer and winter in the UK.
Now almost everyone calls it Autumn, but go back to 1950 the term Backend was more commonly used throughout Northern England, with Autumn mainly being a Southern term.
And of course North Americans generally don’t use either term, opting instead for Fall.
One thing I’m curious about is if Fall will come to be used in the UK in future decades due to the impact of American culture and media.
As a Canadian immigrant to the UK with British born children I’m always mildly amused when they use American terms for things rather than the British ones, despite me now normally using the British term.
If you enjoyed this map you may also like: What do you call a small piece of wood under the skin? and How Do You Pronounce “Scone?” and How Many People Pronounce The R In Arm In 1950 vs 2016.
Amanda Lewis says
I call a small piece of wood under the skin a spell.
Scone that rhymes with gone.
Aaaaammm for Arm
I’m from Middlesbrough in the north east of England.