Friends?

Acquaintances?

What is the proper word? That question periodically confronts us as we attempt to fit in by learning common Scottish words and pronunciations. Recall that Mike is now walking around Edinburgh without wearing pants. No, thank goodness, he is not in a kilt. Turns out, he is wearing trousers. Here, pants means underwear. Well, he is wearing that too, just not so anyone can see. Trousers it is.

Sometimes, the proper word can be just as illusive in American English. Beth has been getting to know a number of people in the hill walking club; some of them she is becoming fond of, and vice versa. Should she call them friends? We have been to dinner with one of the couples, have just received another dinner invitation, as well as a museum visit invitation. Beth has been to lunch with one of the women, and they are going to a Fringe Festival show together. Acquaintances? There are 50 Eskimo words for 'snow.' Maybe we could use a couple more words for 'friends' and 'acquaintances.'