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Yes, Americans. I attended an American school for a couple of terms as an exchange pupil (incidentally I think the Americans influenced our downgrading of 'student' to near infant level).
In class we were asked the meaning of FECUND. Up shoots my hand - 'Fertile, sir', knowing I was right. Puzzled look from teacher, repeat answer from me - then the realisation from teacher: 'Ah! FURTLE! We suffer from the lack of a common language.'

I remember in a history lesson at school being told that Henry VIII might not have been a very "fertile turtle" and thinking that doesn't rhyme very well, but it does if you're American.

I don't mind the American accent except for the words can and can't. In English English they sound quite different but in American they both sound a bit like cairn and it's easy to miss the t at the end. Yet there's a vital difference between the two meanings!

And as this is a pedantry thread I've just realized I should have written "may not" instead of "might not". May not leaves the question open more than might not and we don't know what the reality was.

Paul

I loved your great clue for handbag. Congrats on winning. I have never used it as a weapon. I think ECF are very sensible.

Agree about "student" I still use pupil even in schools. I struggle with cars in America as every part of them is called by the wrong name.

Orson

I know there is a subtle difference between may and might but I never know what it is.

Here are some great american pronunciations koodos for kudos rout for route when they mean they are en route innernational for international

alanf

thanks for those. I love Rout 66. I think my favourite is DEE-Po. I hate lever and leverage (as they pronounce them). Pity they can never pronounce a "t".

Yes, "rout" for "route" always sounds wrong to me. It's often used in American Football commentary.

ChrisE

Thanks. I dont watch that but I have heard it in baseball

Grunger

Did your ladies cricket team play today?

Jigjag

No but we start on Weds. I turned out in a club 2nds/3rds match. We had to arrive and leave in whites, bring our own food. Could not go in changing rooms or showers. I bowled a few respectable overs and we went off for hand-sanitising every half-hour or so.

My tea was a pie and a bottle of water sitting on the grass with the crossword. Nobody hugged, kissed or high-fived me, in fact, nobody came anywhere near me. I felt very safe and it was such a lovely day. Great to be back.