English-American differences have always fascinated me,,and I have adopted some English forms because I prefer them. For example, grey instead of gray and theatre instead of theater because I think the English forms are prettier to look at. Other differences can be hilariously confusing. An English friend of mine recounted a story about her experience in dating an American GI during the war. (That's WW 2 to you youngsters.) He asked her for a date and she replied, "Great. Come round and knock me up about 7:00." Ensuing explanations were enjoyed by all.
On the point of knickers, I seem to recall that was the term used for the short to the knee pants that little boys wore in the early days of the 20th century. They were mighty pleased when they were old enough to wear trousers which were long pants. Perhaps a throwback to the adult males in the 18th century who wore knee britches until Beau Brummel made it fashionable to wear the full length trousers.
Jude
