Why Do Americans Use Z and British Use S?
A Historical Split: Where Did the Spelling Diverge?
Let’s start with a basic truth: English wasn’t always split between “realize” and “realise”. Back in the early days, before America and Britain really developed their own written standards, there was actually a lot of variation—even within the UK.
Now here's where it gets interesting: both forms—“realize” and “realise”—are technically correct, even in British English. Yeah, really. But the S-form gradually became more culturally "British," while the Z-form was embraced across the pond.
Noah Webster and the American Language Revolution
A huge turning point came in the early 1800s with Noah Webster. (You know, the guy behind Webster’s Dictionary.) He believed the American language should be simplified and distinct from British English. He thought, "Why the heck are we spelling things the complicated British way?"
So he advocated for changes:
“Colour” became “color”
“Centre” became “center”
And yes—“realise” became “realize”
Z wasn’t a mistake. It was a statement.
Why Z Makes Sense (Linguistically Speaking)
Okay, linguistically speaking, the “-ize” suffix comes from the Greek “-izein,” which was always pronounced with a “z” sound. So, if you think about it, spelling it with a Z… kinda makes more sense phonetically, right?
The Oxford English Dictionary even prefers “-ize” over “-ise”. (Wait, really? Yep.)
But here’s the twist: British people don’t all agree. In fact, newspapers like The Guardian use “-ise,” while The Times and The Economist actually stick to “-ize”. It’s a bit of a mess, tbh.
It’s Not Just About Z and S: Culture Plays a Role
Identity and National Pride
Americans wanted their own linguistic identity. That’s clear. They didn’t just change spellings to be annoying—they did it to reflect a new nation. In that context, using “z” wasn’t just spelling; it was a low-key act of rebellion.
British English, on the other hand, leaned into tradition. Using “s” kept them linked to older Latin-based roots (even though, yeah, the Greek origin says otherwise).
Education and Publishing Standards
In the U.S., Webster’s spelling reforms were taught in schools, printed in books, and accepted as standard. In the UK, institutions like Oxford University Press supported “-ize”, but somehow the “-ise” version won the popularity contest with the public.
It’s a bit like driving on the left or right. Once your country picks a side, it just… sticks.
Fun (and Weird) Side Notes You Might Not Expect
Canadians? They’re kind of in the middle. You’ll see “realize” and “realise” both used there—depends on the publication.
Australians and New Zealanders usually stick with the “-ise” form, following the British model.
Autocorrect? That little demon will switch your spelling depending on your language setting, leading to countless typo wars in Slack and emails. We've all been there.
And honestly, at this point, most people just want to be consistent. (Or at least not get roasted on Reddit for “misspelling” something.)
So… Who's Right? Or Does It Even Matter?
Honestly? Both are valid. Even though Americans went for the Z with bold, unapologetic flair, and Brits chose the S out of stylistic tradition, neither is "wrong".
Sure, some folks on grammar forums will insist otherwise (they always do), but language is alive. It changes. It adapts. And sometimes, it splits.
Would I personally go with “realize”? Yeah, probably. But ask me again next year—I might switch sides.
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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