Thunderbolt/Lightningbolt

[blinkie]

In the UK we say bolt of lightning (occasionally lightningbolt), thunder and lightning are separated. Thunder; the sound. Lightning; the sight. Thunderbolt just sounds weird to me is it a north american word? Do you use lightningbolt or bolt of lightning in north america?

 

[EmmEff]

If you trust Merriam-Webster, the word has been around since the 15th century so chances are it came from your side of the pond in the first place

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderbolt

 

[oscillatewildly]

Don't forget Lightfoot:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072288/

In the UK, only heard thunderbolt re non-weather.

Cheers,
OW

 

[blinkie]

If you trust Merriam-Webster, the word has been around since the 15th century so chances are it came from your side of the pond in the first place

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderbolt

We must have moved on...... like we did with pants(pantaloons)---->trowsers. Join us.