Abattoir

[ac.lepioc]

Hello everybody!

This is my first time in this forum and I would like to ask something.
I'm learning english so I've learnt that abattoir is the name of the place where animals are killed for their meat. But once in another forum somebody said that this word is in disuse, and he suggested slaughterhouse. Is this true?

[xpert]

He suggested slaughterhouse.

He's right!

[Linguist__]

Perhaps it's British/American English variation, but I still hear abattoir used frequently (as frequently as the word is used), and would still only say abattoir. I'm 20 years old, if that makes a difference, that is, it isn't just an older generation not changing with the times (I hope!).

For some reason, I feel 'slaughterhouse' would be used by people in a negative way, perhaps those who are against such activity as slaughtering animals for meat, whereas 'abattoir' distances itself from such connotations since it's French. There are, of course, people who use slaughterhouse regardless of what they think about such a place, but abattoir is less evocative.

[Raymott]

Hello everybody!

This is my first time in this forum and I would like to ask something.
I'm learning english so I've learnt that abbatoir is the name of the place where animals are killed for their meat. But once in another forum somebody said that this word is in disuse, and he suggested slaughterhouse. Is this true?

'abbatoir' is the common word.
'slaughterhouse', as Linguist says, has more negative connotations. It is also more likely to be used metaphorically:
"The police finally found the lair of the serial killer. It looked like a slaughterhouse". I've never seen 'abbatoir' used in this way.

[Frank Antonson]

As an American, I think I can say that the word "slaughter house" would be recognized by most, if not all Americans. If you spoke the word "abattoire", they would just look at you funny.
American English may well be more influenced by words of German derivation.
Linguist Farmer
I see there is even confusion about how to spell it.

[Tdol]

I think it depends on the context- in the UK, you will see abattoir used in more formal and professional contexts, but in everyday usage slaughterhouse is more common I think. I also agree with Linguist's point about abattoir being more euphemistic.

[ac.lepioc]

Loving this site!
Things are clearer now for me. Many thanks to all of you!