But, please, what is the U.S.A. English term for the British back yard???? I already know the meaning of the U.S.A. back yard! I (and my wife) associate (back) yard with North America, from films, and maybe with what used to be called the "industrial north" of the UK. For us (southerners) the word yard is only associated with farm, factory, cattle, builders etc. In domestic situations it is/was always front or back garden unless it was a very large estate/house when farming terms become more appropriate. Brian Whyer, Buckinghamshire, England