along - on

[dilodi83]

which one is more correct?

- Let's go on/along the switchback. We're going to have some fun!

Is there another word to mean "switchback"?

[SoothingDave]

You mean something like this?

It's a "roller coaster" and you go on them.

[dilodi83]

Yeah, that's exactly what I meant!
So are they called both roller coasters and switchbacks? Do they mean the same? or is it one British English and the other one American English?

Thanks so much!

[BobK]

Yeah, that's exactly what I meant!
So are they called both roller coasters and switchbacks? Do they mean the same? or is it one British English and the other one American English?

Thanks so much!

As a speaker of Br Eng, I recognize but don't use 'switchback'.

b

PS I have a feeling that when I've heard 'switchback' it was used to refer to the sort of railway that zig-zags up a mountain. But I've never had to use it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zig_zag_%28railway%29)

[SoothingDave]

I just happened to know "switchback" was related to railroads and deduced what you were talking about. Americans only know "roller coaster."

[riquecohen]

I had never before heard this word used, other than when I drove on the Moki Dugway in southern Utah. Interesting photos. Moki Dugway

[5jj]

I am fairly sure that I used 'switchback' as a child, some sixty years ago. I don't think 'roller coaster' was around then.

[BobK]

I am fairly sure that I used 'switchback' as a child, some sixty years ago. I don't think 'roller coaster' was around then.

I'm pretty sure we didn't use 'roller coaster' either in the '50s and '60s. I remember there was one at Dreamland in Margate, which was referred to as a 'scenic railway'. It was quite sedate though and didn't deserve any other name.

b

[emsr2d2]

Once upon a time, it would have been called a "big dipper" too (in BrE at least). Rollercoaster is much more common. I've seen "switchback" used in American novels, particular (I think) by Stephen King.

[BobK]

Once upon a time, it would have been called a "big dipper" too (in BrE at least). Rollercoaster is much more common. I've seen "switchback" used in American novels, particular (I think) by Stephen King.

That's it. 'big dipper'. Thanks

Incidentally, the constellation known in Br Eng as 'The Plough' is known in parts of the US as 'The Big Dipper'. Also, elsewhere, 'The Drinking Gourd' - but that's even further off-topic

b