Why Do Americans Say “Fall” Instead of “Autumn”?

Although the two terms can be used interchangeably, America clearly prefers one over the other –

The leaves begin to change color, the air becomes brisk, and we don our warm sweaters. Of course, we’re referring to fall or autumn—the time of year when pumpkin spice lattes and other pleasantries are in full swing. Despite the fact that both terms relate to the same season, Americans prefer to use the word “fall” over the word “autumn” (for example, while expressing their anticipation for the arrival of fall). The question is, why? Is there a murky, complicated grammar rule that we’re not aware of? The autumn vs. fall argument is explained here.

Is fall another name for autumn?

According to dictionary.com, the term “harvest” was previously used to describe both fall and autumn. Of all the names for this season, “harvest” is the oldest. However, because it relates to both the actual harvesting of crops and the period when people often do it, the phrase was a little unclear. Another term that dates back to the late 1300s is “autumn.”

According to Merriam-Webster, the phrase “the fall of the leaves” or “falling of the leaves,” which poets liked, is where the word “fall” presumably originated. In the 1600s, the word “fall” was used to simplify the term. The expansion of the English empire was followed by the ultimate independence of the US. From there, the many variations in English spoken in America and Britain were influenced by time, distance, and newfound freedom.

Who says fall and who says autumn?

Although both fall and autumn have British origins, autumn has historically had a larger audience. Both have had popularity peaks and valleys. It wasn’t until the 1800s that American English and British English adopted unofficial views on these terms: autumn is the preferred term in Britain, while fall is the preferred term in the United States. The reason America clings to decline so tenaciously is still a mystery. Some people think it has to do with daylight savings time, as in “spring forward, fall back.”

Which term—autumn or fall—should you use?

Good news: You can refer to the time of year marked by vibrant foliage and enjoyable fall activities (like a trip to an apple orchard) by either the words autumn or fall. You might use autumn for both speaking and writing if you want to be more formal.