rucksack/backpack

[milan2003_07]

Hi,

Are "backpack" and "rucksack" the same? I'm speaking about a special bag worn on one's back when going hiking or when going to school every day. When going hiking or travelling we usually put some first aid means, extra clothes, food, equipment, and other things there. When attending school we put books, notebooks, copy-books and stationery there.

Thanks

 

[milan2003_07]

Rucksack

rucksack -

Backpack

backpack -

Look the same

 

[Ouisch]

Rucksack and backpack describe the same item, but I'll guarantee you that about 90% of AmE speakers wouldn't understand what you meant if you referred to a "rucksack." "Backpack" is the common term used in AmE for such an item.

 

[milan2003_07]

Rucksack and backpack describe the same item, but I'll guarantee you that about 90% of AmE speakers wouldn't understand what you meant if you referred to a "rucksack." "Backpack" is the common term used in AmE for such an item.

Thanks!!! What about BE? Is "rucksack" a British word? Do BE speakers understand both terms?

 

[5jj]

Thanks!!! What about BE? Is "rucksack" a British word? Do BE speakers understand both terms?

In my BrE youth, we had only rucksacks. Now we have only backpacks.

 

[milan2003_07]

Why has the word "rucksack" become extinct now? probably it has some other meanings apart from the one we've been discussing here?

 

[5jj]

Why has the word "rucksack" become extinct now? probably it has some other meanings apart from the one we've been discussing here?

No.

Some expressions/words have their day and then disappear, for no apparent reason.

Much to the amusement of my younger colleagues, I occasionally listen to the wireless. A few of them listen to the radio, though most seem to listen to news and music on their computers (whatever they may be), or something that seems to go by the name of 3mp - I think.

 

[milan2003_07]

So let's summarize: is "rucksack" used today in any lind of English (Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, etc.) or the word can't be encountered in any contexts?

 

[5jj]

So let's summarize: is "rucksack" used today in any lind of English (Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, etc.) or the word can't be encountered in any contexts?

I can speak only for BrE. Some people of my age (I'm in my mid-sixties) still use it - at the risk of being mocked.:roll:

 

[milan2003_07]

OK. I'll remember what you've told me and will be careful to avoid "rucksack" in my speech. To tell the truth I used to say it rather often when communicating and so far I've never noticed anyone mocking at me or giggling. Probably because those were people with good upbringing who weren't used to showing such kinds of reaction in public.

 

[5jj]

OK. I'll remember what you've told me and will be careful to avoid "rucksack" in my speech. To tell the truth I used to say it rather often when communicating and so far I've never noticed anyone mocking at me or giggling. Probably because those were people with good upbringing who weren't used to showing such kinds of reaction in public.

To be fair, I was probably exaggerating when I said that we'd be mocked, but I do feel that we 'rucksack'-users reveal that we are not as up-to-date as we thought we were.