British vs. American Editions (was Re: Database...)

[Mary Ann]

Neil wrote:

> I noticed that several characters using the word "mate," but maybe 
it was
> mainly Ron.  It was a bit irritating, yes, but "mate" is one of the 
words
> that some people tack onto every sentence (like "y'know what I 
mean?",
> "yeah?" and "innit?") and seem unable to stop themselves.  Calling 
people
> mate is quite a London thing, but I wouldn't say it's exclusive to 
London.

It's also a West Country thing, but here "mate" is the equivalent of 
the North American term "buddy" or "pal".  I find it's used 
especially between platonic friends of the opposite sex, at least 
where heterosexuals are concerned.  Many of my female friends also 
use the term mate to describe each other.  It's a very informal term, 
and not one you'd hear used among the posh nobs (another British term 
that I love).  But then I'm common as muck. ;)

BTW the Forest of Dean is on the northern edge of the West Country, 
which may be why JKR includes this term.

Mary Ann
(who's been banned from singing I've Got a Brand-New Combine 
Harvester because her accent's all wrong)