What do British People Call Asphalt: Geographical Variations and Historical Context
The term asphalt is commonly used in Britain to refer to a wide variety of paving materials. However, the language and terminology can vary slightly depending on the region. In this article, we'll explore the differences in terminology used in different parts of the British Isles, particularly focusing on Scotland and the origins of the term Tarmac.
Geographical Variations in Terminology
While asphalt is the term widely used across the UK, Scotland has its unique dialects and colloquialisms. Interestingly, in Scotland, asphalt is simply called asphalt. This can sometimes confuse those from other regions who are unfamiliar with regional slang.
divDunno about England but here in Scotland we call it ldquo;Asphaltrdquo;!/div
This simplicity in the Scottish dialect highlights the flexibility and regional differences in terminology.
The Origins of Tarmac: Contractions and Trademarks
Tarmac, on the other hand, is a brand name that has become a generic term for a specific type of paving material. The term Tarmac is actually a contraction of two words: Tar and Macadam.
The term Tarmac has its roots in the 1800s when John McAdam, also known as Macadam, introduced the metalled road technique which improved road construction. This technique involved laying down a series of layers of progressively smaller stones, bound with tar. The term Tarmac became a blend of these two words, reflecting the material and the process.
divTarmac after the company that makes it./div
However, it's important to note that while Tarmac is a widely recognized term, it is a trademark owned by the Tarmac Group. This means that it's not just a generic term, but a brand name that users can associate with specific products and services.
The Evolution of Road Construction Materials
The materials used to construct roads have evolved significantly over the years. Asphalt was named after bitumen, a naturally occurring sticky substance derived from petroleum. However, in modern construction, asphalt is a mixture of tar and small stones. The term tar macadam or tarmac is often used to describe this raw material, while once it is laid, it is referred to as tarmac for practicality.
It's interesting to note that the evolution of road building techniques has led to the creation of various terms that may seem interchangeable but have distinct meanings. For instance, the original macadam technique, developed by McAdam, was improved upon with the addition of tar, which helped to bind the stones together.
divTsrmac short for tarmacadam./div
Later, the Welsh inventor replaced the coal tar with bitumen, a waste product of petroleum, as cars became more prevalent and the demand for durable roads increased.
The Linguistic Evolution of Terms
The term asphalt itself has undergone a fascinating linguistic evolution. It is derived from the Old French word asphalte, which in turn is based on the Greek word ?σφαλτο?, meaning bitumen. This term is used in construction to refer to the raw material, but when it is laid, it becomes known as tarmac.
divWe call it asphalt we also call asphalt concrete used for paving roads ldquo;asphaltrdquo;. We also call the latter ldquo;Tar Macadamrdquo; or ldquo;tarmacrdquo; for short though ldquo;Tarmacrdquo; is a trademark and company name itrsquo;s like calling a vacuum cleaner a ldquo;Hooverrdquo;./div
Just as the term Hoover became synonymous with vacuum cleaners, the term Tarmac has become closely associated with road construction and paving.
Conclusion
The terms used to describe asphalt in British English can vary depending on the region and the context. Whether it's called asphalt, tar macadam, or tarmac, the underlying material is the same: a mixture of tar and small stones, used to create the roads we drive on every day. Understanding these terms and their evolution can help us appreciate the complexity and richness of the language used in construction and engineering.