Actually we use both. For example, body weight is (traditionally) stone and lbs, but parcel weight is usually kg.
The same is true for length; height in feet, but stuff like room measurements in cm.
I think the only area where we’re actually consistent is traveling distance? All signs and gauges are in Mph rather than Km/h. In fact the only time I can think of someone talking about distance in kilometres, is to do with sports (IE a 5k/10k running event).
In Canada, which transitioned to metric in the 70s and 80s, people’s height are still measured in feet in casual conversation. Weights for groceries still often have lbs and kgs with them.
Glad to hear we’re not the only country with an imperial hangover! Our experience is pretty much the same. Bathroom scales, gym weights etc all have both kg and lb on them. Over time society here does seem to be shifting more toward metric; most people tend to know their height in both these days, whereas 20 years ago it would have been predominantly ft rather than cm.
Do you think lbs change depending on what we’re measuring? A lb is a lb here too…
I’d argue a comprehension of both metric and imperial is superior, as well as provides insight into which the inferior measurement is, but you do you mate.
javiwhite@feddit.uk 3 days ago
Actually we use both. For example, body weight is (traditionally) stone and lbs, but parcel weight is usually kg.
The same is true for length; height in feet, but stuff like room measurements in cm.
I think the only area where we’re actually consistent is traveling distance? All signs and gauges are in Mph rather than Km/h. In fact the only time I can think of someone talking about distance in kilometres, is to do with sports (IE a 5k/10k running event).
ArmchairAce1944@discuss.online 3 days ago
In Canada, which transitioned to metric in the 70s and 80s, people’s height are still measured in feet in casual conversation. Weights for groceries still often have lbs and kgs with them.
javiwhite@feddit.uk 3 days ago
Glad to hear we’re not the only country with an imperial hangover! Our experience is pretty much the same. Bathroom scales, gym weights etc all have both kg and lb on them. Over time society here does seem to be shifting more toward metric; most people tend to know their height in both these days, whereas 20 years ago it would have been predominantly ft rather than cm.
meep_launcher@sh.itjust.works 3 days ago
Brits should never lecture someone on having a sane measurement system when even Americans are more consistent.
Like say what you want but a pound is a pound whether it’s at the grocery store or on my bathroom scale.
javiwhite@feddit.uk 3 days ago
Do you think lbs change depending on what we’re measuring? A lb is a lb here too…
I’d argue a comprehension of both metric and imperial is superior, as well as provides insight into which the inferior measurement is, but you do you mate.