In the course of writing a story, it struck me that I didn't know the real difference between 'while' and 'whilst'. I have always used both and felt I knew instinctively when to use one or the other.
When I researched the topic further, I discovered that they are widely considered interchangeable and that 'whilst' is thought to be a more archaic word used only in Britain (and even then, decreasingly so). Even so, I can't help but feel that there is a subtle difference, that they each carry a certain nuance. Sometimes, when I read a sentence back, one feels decidedly more fitting than the other.
So, two questions:
Do any of you non-Britons use the word 'whilst', or is it just us?
If you do use the word 'whilst', do you use it as synonymous with 'while' or do you, like me, feel there is a (perhaps imagined) difference in their meaning (and can anyone pin it down)?
[Of course, I refer throughout to the subordinating conjunction, not the noun, 'while', lest there be pedants amongst (similar situation?) you.]
I have read "whilst" but never used it. It is not a popular word down on the bayou (Louisiana) where I come from. I think I have heard some Cajun's using a word that sounds like that but I am sure it has a different meaning. I have always loved to hear authentic Cajun, especially on a shirtless well muscled hunky rough guy.
Sorry Eviotis, I think i got off the point didn't I? Pretend I flashed my breasts at you as an apology!
They've meant the same for myself as well, and as for using them, it depends on the voice of the writing. Whilst is definitely more archaic and if I was writing something that should sound as though spoken from an era gone by, I'd use it.
I think it is quite funny that many people here think "whilst" was archaic, because, in fact, "while" is older than "whilst".
“While” was in use in Old English and “whilst” is a Middle English development. There is no difference in meaning between them.
“Whilst” has died out in American English but has survived in British English. In the UK “whilst” is considered more formal and literary than “while.”
There are other words of this kind; “among” and “amongst” and “amid” and “amidst”. These pairs are also interchangeable.
God, I love my high school English teacher for teaching us something this useless.
Thank you, "Alice", for shedding some well-informed light on the matter. I can't say my high school German teacher ever went quite so in depth when discussing the origins of words, but us Brits are notoriously bad at learning foreign languages (I'm not trying to cause a riot here, just stereotyping).
I think the subtle "difference" I thought I perceived was simply the formality of the word (I often get quite formal in my prose, even when writing smut). In which case, I feel justified in saying that sometimes one is more apt than the other.
The richness of language rarely fails to fascinate me. Perhaps I should have studied English or Linguistics rather than Mathematics (I take it back! I take it back! I love maths!).
yup i do use both while and whilst
whilst is synonymous with while,
i generally use while in formal and whilst in informal conversation
All the Brits in/from London that I work (mostly Lloyd's people)with use "whilst", even those who have since moved to the US.
Writing quality explicit material for over eight one-hundredths of a century.
"If, after hearing my songs, just one human being is inspired to say something nasty to a friend, or perhaps to strike a loved one, it will all have been worth the while." - Tom Lehrer
"There is no such thing as good luck or bad luck; only adequate or inadequate preparation for a statistical universe." - Robert Heinlein
Well there are subtle differences in usage between the two words and they are certainly NOT interchangeable in all circumstances. Both while and whilst can be used as conjunctions or relative adverbs, but only "while" can be used as a noun, so for example "stay here for a little whilst" would not work. Also in the context of "while away the hours" can never be replaced with "whilst away the hours". "Whilst" is an adverbial genitive. This means it is used to describe verbs.
I never use it. Or know anyone that does. In fact, when I come across it when reading, I stumble over it and it slows me down.
Around here if you use 'whilst' they will know that you are not a local. HA
I had a teacher in high school that used 'whilst.' She also used 'hither' as in "come hither and take your seats."
Some student stuck a big long red plastic dildo to the front grillwork of her car and she drove around for 2 days without realizing it.
I use both in a story, but never as one character using both.
If I said whilst to anyone I know they would think I was being a douche.
And the point of all of that was...?
Yeah FTL male, what was the point?
I'm asking you why you feel the need to bug me like this then back out and say "you like me" when you are questioned to elaborate on your fixation with me.
Whilst we're on the subject of entertainment, I'm not currently entertained, sadly.
Ut incepit fidelis, sic permanet.
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Entertainment for some, tiresome for others. Let's take this episode away from the forum, please. If there's more to this than passive aggressive sparring, please one of you let me know via PM. Thanks!
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