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Just What Do You Mean By That?
The English language, especially when informally used, is full of words that specify a quantity which is entirely dependent on the listener or read for a numeric definition. We all know what "four" is, but when it comes to "a few" the definition changes by individual. Here is a table with some of these phrases and words, and how I define them. Please leave a comment with any additions or your definitions.
| PHRASE | QUANTITY |
| some | 4 to 6 |
| a few | 3 to 5 |
| several | 3 to 5 |
| many | over 7 |
| a couple | 2 to 3 |
| a heap of | 10 to 20 |
| a pile of | 5 to 10 |
| a bunch | 6 to 20 |
| lots | 10 plus |
| a herd | over 5 |
| a pack | over 3 |
| a passel | 3 to 7 |
Based on some work I have seen on the use of “sodaâ€, “popâ€, “soda pop†and “Coke†I would suspect that these terms may vary in definition by region. I would be very curious how our English speaking brethren overseas define them. If you can think of any more, or any different definitions, please comment.
Filed under: Commentary, Original writing · Tags: English, English language, English language slang, terms for quantity
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Here in the fine state of South Carolina, all carbonated beverages are “coke.” For example, “Would you care for a coke,…. what kind of coke would you like, we have Dr. Pepper and 7up…” You will occasionally hear “soda” used by native speakers, but it’s not the usual. Pop and soda pop will immediately identify you as a yankee.