Siren songs

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Originally Posted by SoothingDave

So, you've never wrecked a car? You've only had a car wrecked? I did not know that.

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Yes, I've wrecked a car, but my car has never wrecked. (It seems to me possible that the US use of total might have something to do with the French perte total, but I'd have to do some research into the growth of US motor insurance (perhaps starting in Louisiana...:-? ;-)) to be sure.

b

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SoothingDave

We say "totaled." If the cost to repair is more than the value of the car, it is totaled. You get a check and the insurance company takes your wrecked car.

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We total cars too, but we'd use a double L in the past simple.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tdol

We total cars too, but we'd use a double L in the past simple.

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I wasn't sure so I went with the spelling that my browser liked.

My browser likes the double letter version- it's a BrE/AmE thing