whereabouts? - English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums

elmeromero · 04-23-2007, 09:55 AM

I'm curious as to who uses the word "whereabouts" in a question, as in "Whereabouts?" to ask "Where?" and where you people are from. Such usage has always bothered me. And while we're on the subject, can anyone explain how "Whereabouts?" can mean both "Where more or less?" and "Where exactly?"?

SandraT · 04-23-2007, 10:48 AM

I listened to "whereabouts?" in Canada all the time to ask "where exactly?" also in Europe, some non-English speakers, (speaking English, of course) but in a very informal context.

Hebe · 04-23-2007, 01:05 PM

hummm . I might be wrong but I've always thought of "whereabouts" as a general (not specific) location.

Best to you all

emilyb · 04-23-2007, 03:17 PM

Hi elmeromero,
I have always thought as whereabouts as a synonym to where. It could be used in general, or you can answer with a specific location. You could ask, "Oh, you are from the states? whereabouts?" and the answer could be general (new york) or specific (Brooklyn), just as if you asked, "where?"
I have also heard people of my mom�s generation say things like, "I�m curious to your whereabouts" instead of a simple �where are you� when looking for a specific answer. I think it is the same.

elmeromero · 04-25-2007, 01:32 PM

The fact that you heard it a lot in Canada does not surprise me one bit, given that the phrase has always bothered me!

04-23-2007, 09:55 AM	#1
elmeromero Contributing User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Rep Power: 113	whereabouts? I'm curious as to who uses the word "whereabouts" in a question, as in "Whereabouts?" to ask "Where?" and where you people are from. Such usage has always bothered me. And while we're on the subject, can anyone explain how "Whereabouts?" can mean both "Where more or less?" and "Where exactly?"?

04-23-2007, 10:48 AM	#2
SandraT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Havana,Cuba Posts: 843 Rep Power: 630	I listened to "whereabouts?" in Canada all the time to ask "where exactly?" also in Europe, some non-English speakers, (speaking English, of course) but in a very informal context. __________________ _____________________________ [Have a nice day!!! ♥ Sandra T ♥

04-23-2007, 01:05 PM	#3
Hebe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Caracas- Venezuela Posts: 856 Rep Power: 1559	hummm . I might be wrong but I've always thought of "whereabouts" as a general (not specific) location. Best to you all __________________ Hebe ♥ ♫

04-23-2007, 03:17 PM	#4
emilyb Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Argentina Posts: 394 Rep Power: 243	Hi elmeromero, I have always thought as whereabouts as a synonym to where. It could be used in general, or you can answer with a specific location. You could ask, "Oh, you are from the states? whereabouts?" and the answer could be general (new york) or specific (Brooklyn), just as if you asked, "where?" I have also heard people of my mom�s generation say things like, "I�m curious to your whereabouts" instead of a simple �where are you� when looking for a specific answer. I think it is the same. __________________ Emily B

04-25-2007, 01:32 PM	#5
elmeromero Contributing User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Rep Power: 113	that explains it! The fact that you heard it a lot in Canada does not surprise me one bit, given that the phrase has always bothered me!

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