Why Do Americans Call Footpaths ‘Sidewalks’ and ‘Paths’?

Footpaths, a term that might seem interchangeable with sidewalks to many, actually have distinct meanings in American English. This fascinating linguistic distinction sets footpaths apart from sidewalks, and it's a topic that's as intriguing as it is unique to American English usage.

Understanding the Distinction

The term footpath is often used in the USA to describe a path that primarily serves pedestrians, particularly in contexts away from vehicular traffic. Footpaths are not sidewalks, which lie alongside roads with vehicular traffic, but rather paths that run through various settings such as parks, wilderness areas, or properties.

Confusion may arise when one encounters the term sidewalk. In the United States, a sidewalk specifically refers to the paved and elevated path alongside the street designed for pedestrian use. Pedestrians use sidewalks to walk away from or alongside the road without interfering with vehicular traffic.

For example, in a typical American city, you would walk on the sidewalk rather than on the street. However, in more rural or natural settings, a similar but often unpaved path might be called a footpath. These footpaths are used for walking through different terrains and are often narrower than sidewalks.

Historical and Cultural Context

The development of distinct terms like footpath and sidewalk in American English is due to the country's unique historical and cultural context. The United States, as a nation, developed its own language and dialects relatively independently from the rest of the Anglosphere.

During the early 18th century, the United States was still a part of the British Empire. However, over two centuries, the American language, including its vocabulary, began to diverge from British English. This process of linguistic drift allowed for the creation of terms that were not used in the UK or other parts of the Anglosphere.

Evolution of Terms

For instance, the term sidewalk (side walk) can be traced back to 1598, while footpath was used earlier in American contexts. Over time, the American language favored certain terms, such as sidewalk, while others like footpath remained in usage in parts of the UK and other regions.

The term footway is another variant that has been used, but it is less common in American English. Interestingly, in the UK, pavement is the term used for what Americans call sidewalks. This demonstrates the linguistic diversity within the Anglosphere.

Examples of Usage

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference: In a park, you might find an unpaved path that is called a footpath. This path runs through the woods and is intended for walking and exploring the natural environment. Along a metropolitan street, you would see a sidewalk, which is a paved walkway adjacent to the road. This sidewalk is specifically designed for pedestrians to walk on. In a college campus or property, you might encounter a path that is either paved or unpaved. This path is often less formal than a sidewalk and can lead to various destinations within the area.

It is also worth noting the phrase parkway and driveway. In American English, a parkway is a road designed for through traffic, normally with higher speed limits, while a driveway is a private path for cars leading to a garage or house. These terms are not used in the same way in British English.

Conclusion

The distinction between footpath and sidewalk is a testament to the rich and evolving nature of the English language, particularly in the United States. Understanding these terms helps clarify the American usage of footpath terms, which is essential for anyone looking to better grasp the intricacies of American English.