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by Carmella on December 27th, 2006

Carmella

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Are 'periods' the American name for 'full stops'?

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  • by Eli Jerusalem on January 2nd, 2007

    Eli Jerusalem

    Yes. And there are two other meanings of 'period' in American English that non-Americans should be aware of. The 'standard' definition of a period as a unit of time is widely used, but there is also a colloquial usage of 'period' to refer to a woman's monthly menstrual cycle. Because of this, a foreigner may mistakenly make a remark that sounds slightly rude to an American, or may make an unintentional pun.

    As an example, there is a riddle which asks: 'Why is a pregnant woman like a broken typewriter?' The answer, 'Because they both miss their periods,' makes a play upon the two meanings.

    You have been warned! :)

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