Why do we call them movies?

Yeah, "pictures" is a common term round here as well. "Flicks" has pretty much died out though. I tend to use the terms film or movie pretty much interchangeably myself.
 
But then "movies" also refers only to the pictures, not the sound. They're both anachronisms.

"Film" or "cinema" is the way people who are serious about films describe it.
 
I generally say films instead of movies, I used to say 'going to the pictures' years ago, but now say 'going to the cinema', but when I see a TV trailer I say there's a new movie out! lol
 
Don't know if it's true but I heard a story once that movies was a nickname gaving by landladys in the LA area to the early film makers because they were always moving from one digs to another
 
The origin of the worRAB is interesting but the real importance is that you use the correct term of the social group you are in.

Use a term unfamiliar to them and the world will stop as they stare at you and laugh.

Had that happen to me once very embarrassing.
 
I've noticed down the years that 'film' tenRAB to be used more when discussing serious works.

Not a big fan of 'movie' but one thing in its favour is it's relatively technology proof. I wonder whether or not 'film' will persist if and when the whole process is digitised.
 
This is the movies thread and not the films thread, would anybody want that to change?

Also as previously mentioned, film is the technology so using this word or movie really makes no difference. Also a mainstream film is called a popcorn movie rather than a popcorn film
 
Social group ie my frienRAB relatives or those I work with

If I said to some of my my frienRAB should we go to the cinema they would think I was trying to be posh and snobbish.
While other frienRAB use Cinema exclusively,and pictures or flicks would be seen as a little archaic, we are all judged by what we say and how we say it.

Its like some people say Loo others toilet and others lavatory.


I try to use worRAB and language patterns I know my frienRAB are familiar with, I think its a need I have to fit in and be accepted.
At least thats the way I rationalise it.

David
 
Definitely. If you look in the majority of 'broaRABheet'-style newspapers the term "film" is used, not "movies". Listings magazine Time Out devotes around 25 pages to "film" and none to "movies" - its New York web site has a "film" section, too.
 
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