I'm confused: Is it "Computer program" or "Computer programme"

[kio_http]

Now just so that people don't start giving me all sorts of responses, I want to state that my question is concerning British English.

I was always under the impression that in UK english Programme is used to define T.V, plans, schedules etc.

However I have found a certain confusion concerning this.

Thefreedictionary states that both exist


The entry for computerprogramme on their site is here. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/computer+programme)
answers.com also states that computer programme exists.


Their entry for computer programme is here (http://www.answers.com/topic/computer-programme).
All oxford dictionaries state that for UK English computer programme does not exist.


Their web resource page (http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/programme?view=uk) states that for computers program has one m only.

Daily writting tips says use program for computers and programme otherwise.


Their tip page is here (http://www.dailywritingtips.com/get-with-the-programme/).

So who am I supposed to follow?:confused:
Any language expert here to help me out?

[_Mark_]

No language expert, and I think if this is all you have to worry about you have too much time on you're hands :)

I guess both are acceptable, program has probably been introduced by our American cousins they have a habit of changing words, colour to color, sure their are more but can't think of any more off the top of my head

It maybe computer program but you are still a programmer unless that could be programer, who knows

[Linux_junkie]

As far as I'm aware the spelling of "program" has always been to mean a computer application (or code) and the spelling of "programme" was for T.V. shows/ sporting events etc.

However over the past few years a lot of US english spelt words have found itsway in to the British english language such as organisation / organization (the one with the "z" is the US spelling).

I personally blame the number of US made T.V shows and web sites that are commonly viewed by the British people that they are now spelling words the US way.

[kio_http]

No language expert, and I think if this is all you have to worry about you have too much time on you're hands :)


Trust me, I am not wasting time. This is part of my work.

Not all of us don't care about language.

[jrothwell97]

"Program" is the de facto standard for computer programming, both as a verb and noun. Calling it a "programme" just looks odd - to most people, that means TV, radio programme or a scheme.

Or you could save yourself the trouble and call it an application. :P

[cascade9]

As far as I'm aware the spelling of "program" has always been to mean a computer application (or code) and the spelling of "programme" was for T.V. shows/ sporting events etc.

That is what I have always been told as well.

@ kio_http- take the oxford as being right. Of coruse, I'm biased, it agrees with me :)


However over the past few years a lot of US english spelt words have found itsway in to the British english language such as organisation / organization (the one with the "z" is the US spelling).

I'm not fond of the 'Z' in stuff..and I find it funny that a county that seems to have a colective problem with socalism would put a letter into words just because its underemployed :lolflag:

What really drives me insane is way that newreaders, etc here (australia) always say 'may twenty-one' or 'march two'. Its the twenty-FIRST!!! (etc) and the SECOND!!! Gahh!!!!

I really hope that hasnt hit the UK.

[spibou]

Now just so that people don't start giving me all sorts of responses, I want to state that my question is concerning British English.

I was always under the impression that in UK english Programme is used to define T.V, plans, schedules etc.

However I have found a certain confusion concerning this.

Thefreedictionary states that both exist


The entry for computerprogramme on their site is here. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/computer+programme)
answers.com also states that computer programme exists.


Their entry for computer programme is here (http://www.answers.com/topic/computer-programme).
All oxford dictionaries state that for UK English computer programme does not exist.


Their web resource page (http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/programme?view=uk) states that for computers program has one m only.

Daily writting tips says use program for computers and programme otherwise.


Their tip page is here (http://www.dailywritingtips.com/get-with-the-programme/).

So who am I supposed to follow?:confused:
Any language expert here to help me out?
Not an expert but based on the evidence you cite above "program" seems the correct choice. Personally I've always written "programme" even for computer ones and I will continue to do so.

[Swagman]

What really drives me insane is way that newreaders, etc here (australia) always say 'may twenty-one' or 'march two'. Its the twenty-FIRST!!! (etc) and the SECOND!!! Gahh!!!!

I really hope that hasn't hit the UK.

Not on your Nelly. British Newsreaders are very proper with pronunciation even if they come from oop Uddersfield chook.

[betrunkenaffe]

Never heard of computer programs referred to as "programme" and when I hear "programme", I think of TV.

[Little Bones]

To me, it's program for computer programs; and programme when referring to TV or like, game day magazines you get at sports games.

[SoFl W]

And the answer can be found HERE (http://www.wsu.edu/%7Ebrians/errors/program.html).

And for all you people who use the non-word "alot (http://www.wsu.edu/%7Ebrians/errors/alot.html)"

[spibou]

And for all you people who use the non-word "alot (http://www.wsu.edu/%7Ebrians/errors/alot.html)"
I've never seen "alot" written anywhere.

[Shining Arcanine]

No language expert, and I think if this is all you have to worry about you have too much time on you're hands :)

I guess both are acceptable, program has probably been introduced by our American cousins they have a habit of changing words, colour to color, sure their are more but can't think of any more off the top of my head

It maybe computer program but you are still a programmer unless that could be programer, who knows

Considering that in England people have lost the ability to speak Latin, saying that another group of people has a habit of changing words is a double standard when your own group has a habit of abandoning entire languages.

Debitis discere rursus linguam latinam. :P

[philinux]

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/get-with-the-programme/

[-grubby]

EDIT: wrong thread

[Iehova]

However over the past few years a lot of US english spelt words have found itsway in to the British english language such as organisation / organization (the one with the "z" is the US spelling).

A common misconception, -ize is the original spelling as it reflects Greek and Latin. -ise is French in origin so really we have to give our Atlantic cousins due credit here as they've got it right.

[lisati]

I've never seen "alot" written anywhere.

I see alot in the forum a lot, but don't remember seeing it anywhere else.

Having been brought up with "British" spelling and "zed" instead of "zee" for the last letter of the alphabet, I'll go with the previously mentioned "program" for computers and "programme" for everything else.

By the way, where on earth did "irregardless" come from? Is this some kind of mish-mash of "irrespective" and "regardless"? (Please don't get me started on wanting to kick my donkey (http://lisati.homelinux.com/SayWhat)! :))