In line, on line and queuing

Posted by ESC on August 23, 2002

In Reply to: In line, on line and queuing posted by Word Camel on August 19, 2002

: In most of the United States, people stand "in line". In New York, they stand "on line". In Britian they "queue".

: I'm wondering if there are more regional variations within the US and if there is any particular reason why New Yorkers stand on the line as opposed to in it. Finally, I'm wondering if there is any significance in the fact that standing in line has been shortened to pithy verb.

: Many thanks,

: Curious Camel

We (Ky. and W.Va.) say "standing (or waiting) in line."