the term "thru hiker" (spelling)

[ki0eh]

A "through hiker" is defined in 58 Pa.Code 135.42 http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/05...5/s135.42.html for the purpose of identifying those who are allowed to camp in PA State Game Lands along the A.T. That differs significantly from the meaning of "thru-hiker". Nearly all "thru-hikers" are "through hikers," with the possible exception of these guys: http://appalachianloop.tumblr.com

[kayak karl]

y r u n 2 the spelling of thru hiking. Go talk a walk

maybe he's getting a tatoo and doesn't want any regerts.

[lemon b]

It is thru. just like airborne is not airborn or airbourne. Its the common usage that creates the meaning.

[Pedaling Fool]

Thru may be incorrect with respect to proper english, but that ship sailed. Our english is improper and it's something to be proud of; it's a demonstration of our diversity. I don't think many people realize how many "english words" are not actually english.

Through-hiker may be proper, but proper english is best left to those that don't respect our history and diversity.

[kayak karl]

It is thru. just like airborne is not airborn or airbourne. Its the common usage that creates the meaning.

so, if it is written enough times it must be the truth? sounds like WB

[max patch]

Google says...

"through hiker" has 16,000 results

"thru hiker" has 182,000 results

[bfayer]

so, if it is written enough times it must be the truth? sounds like WB

When its comes to language it is true. That is how written language develops. If it didn't we would still be writing our "s" as "f", and spelling "color" as "colour".

Language evolves.

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[pipsissewa]

"Appa LACH ian"/"Appa LAYCH ian"... .

[show me the monkey]

Not to put even more of a twist, there is also: "Throo Hiker" as seen on the guard rail at Stecoah Gap... but I don't think that's correct in anyone's book.

[HikerMom58]

Ha... I had to click on this thread to see what show me the monkey had to say!

[LAF]

the use of "thru"is not unique to hikers/backpackers; I used the spelling for years in corp world, as did many others. Seems we humans are lazy creatures "thanks to technology and texting" we seem to have lost the use of proper english and spelling (yep, sadly I'm definitely included on that list). Kinda like using @ vs. "at" which also became common in corp. Although I've yet to see anyone refer to the AT as the @ - hope I didn't just start something - ha

[bfayer]

Although I've yet to see anyone refer to the AT as the @ - hope I didn't just start something - ha

Too late. The box is open, you can't close it now.

Just remember, its all your fault

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[LAF]

Too late. The box is open, you can't close it now.

Just remember, its all your fault

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Maybe we should move that over to the "change the blaze" color thread and the blazes could then be orange @



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[Rolls Kanardly]

For those of you who are through hiking your "thru hike", I am out of here. Rolls

[-SEEKER-]

For those of you who are through hiking your "thru hike", I am out of here. Rolls

You nailed it.

[canoe]

I am sure the thru spelling came from Drive THRU at the burger places. They dont spell it drive through

[ki0eh]

I am sure the thru spelling came from Drive THRU at the burger places. They dont spell it drive through

So THAT's why the thru hiker always wants to hit McD's when they come to a town (that has it)...

[Lone Wolf]

I am sure the thru spelling came from Drive THRU at the burger places. They dont spell it drive through

banks also. liquor stores too

[rickb]

I think "thru-hiker" is fine...but if I read a resume that used "thru" instead of "through" in a general sense, that person would not be coming in for an interview.

Sure makes sense if you are hiring a proof reader.

James Hare used "through" in his significant 2-volume set that was published in 1975. I am guessing the change to "thru" happened some time afterward. Or is that afterwards? Good God, I have no idea-- public schools ruined me.

[bfayer]

Sure makes sense if you are hiring a proof reader.

James Hare used "through" in his significant 2-volume set that was published in 1975. I am guessing the change to "thru" happened some time afterward. Or is that afterwards? Good God, I have no idea-- public schools ruined me.

It could also be that his editor changed all the thrus with throughs, and he originally wrote thru instead of through