"Merc": Mercedes or Mercury?
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From: NYC
2004 E500 4MATIC
"Merc": Mercedes or Mercury?
Not to point a finger at anyone in particular, but...
Until I came to this forum a few months ago, I'd never heard anyone in my life refer to a Mercedes as a "Merc"--and I've been around the cars all my life via family and friends. It seems several here refer to Mercedes as "Merc."
However, I've always heard the Mercury brand contracted to "Merc," but never Mercedes. Hearing Mercedes refered to like this sounds tacky to me, given my association with "Merc."
Anyone else?
Until I came to this forum a few months ago, I'd never heard anyone in my life refer to a Mercedes as a "Merc"--and I've been around the cars all my life via family and friends. It seems several here refer to Mercedes as "Merc."
However, I've always heard the Mercury brand contracted to "Merc," but never Mercedes. Hearing Mercedes refered to like this sounds tacky to me, given my association with "Merc."
Anyone else?
Thread Starter
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From: NYC
2004 E500 4MATIC
SR, I am of course referring to text written on an enthusiast forum (this one), but I never suggested that there was any confusion--only that in my nearly 40 years (don't know if that is as old as Baby Jocko 
) I'd never "heard" (read: seen written) "Mercedes" referred to as "Merc"--only for Mercury. I'm simply curious what others' histories are with the contraction.
) I'd never "heard" (read: seen written) "Mercedes" referred to as "Merc"--only for Mercury. I'm simply curious what others' histories are with the contraction.
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Originally Posted by RAD
... I'm simply curious what others' histories are with the contraction.
Merc is commonly used to refer to Mercedes Benz in the UK.
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From: Sacramento
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A Mercury is a "Merc" if James Dean drove it in a movie. In all other circumstances, a "Merc" is a Mercedes. Nobody knows or cares about the moribund Mercury brand any more, not even Ford.
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
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People who call Mercedes a Merc are also people who would call a BMW a Beemer or a Porsche a Porsch.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
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Originally Posted by BudC
People who call Mercedes a Merc are also people who would call a BMW a Beemer or a Porsche a Porsch.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
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Originally Posted by BudC
People who call Mercedes a Merc are also people who would call a BMW a Beemer or a Porsche a Porsch.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
I've owned German cars since the 50's and Mercedes for more than 20 years and I've never talked to a Mercedes owner who called their car a Merc.
Another Amen, brother.
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
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Originally Posted by Fastbuck
I take it you will not want to talk to me then?
I'm sure you know that a Beemer is a motorcycle.
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From: Scotland, UK
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Originally Posted by BudC
Well, it depends on what you call Porsches I'm sure you know that a Beemer is a motorcycle.
I'm sure you know that a Beemer is a motorcycle.A Porsche is a Porsche. However, until I read the thread here a few months ago I was not aware of the distinction between Bimmer and Beemer, but again I think that is a US thing. In the UK a Beemer refers to a BMW automobile.
Anyway I'm just packing my bags to visit the US again. Maybe I'll retun with a greater understanding fn these things!!
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From: Torquay, England
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Originally Posted by RAD
Not to point a finger at anyone in particular, but...
Until I came to this forum a few months ago, I'd never heard anyone in my life refer to a Mercedes as a "Merc"--and I've been around the cars all my life via family and friends. It seems several here refer to Mercedes as "Merc."
Until I came to this forum a few months ago, I'd never heard anyone in my life refer to a Mercedes as a "Merc"--and I've been around the cars all my life via family and friends. It seems several here refer to Mercedes as "Merc."
Oh what sheltered lives we lead...... Look beyond your own horizons, there is truly civilised life out there. As Fastbuck has already stated Mercedes-Benz has been known for more years than I can remember as Mercedes, Merc, Benz or Mercedes-Benz. Yes, even in the motor trade, but perhaps not in all countries.
It is certainly not a derogatory remark, just a shortened version of a long name.
Regards
From a very windy with sunny spells afternoon in Torquay
John
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From: Canada
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When I first got my car my father said, so how's your Merc.. In my head I thought about Mercury (in particular "Mercury '49" because of the song).
Anyways.. I had no idea either, people who know the car also call it a Merc and I like the short form now..
My car is a Merc and sometimes, it is a Mercedes..
Anyways.. I had no idea either, people who know the car also call it a Merc and I like the short form now..
My car is a Merc and sometimes, it is a Mercedes..
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From: myhammy, fl
2008 ML350 4matic
Originally Posted by glojo
As Fastbuck has already stated Mercedes-Benz has been known for more years than I can remember as Mercedes, Merc, Benz or Mercedes-Benz.
I saw a blinged-out C-something-or-other with a chrome plate that read 'BENZO' on the front... ugh!
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From: Singapore
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glojo took the words (sentiments, at least) right out of my keyboard - we don't even have "Mercury" here in Singapore so, yes, a Merc is a Mercedes. Last I checked, Mercury was the stuff that went into sphygmomanometers ... kidding
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I wonder if the difference is in the pronunciation?
A Mercury is referred to as a "Merk".
How are you pronouncing Merc? There is is no "k" sound in Mercedes so are you adding one or is it pronounced with a "ce" or "s" sound?
If that were the case they would not be similar in sound.
A Mercury is referred to as a "Merk".
How are you pronouncing Merc? There is is no "k" sound in Mercedes so are you adding one or is it pronounced with a "ce" or "s" sound?
If that were the case they would not be similar in sound.
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From: Torquay, England
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Originally Posted by etenn
I wonder if the difference is in the pronunciation?
A Mercury is referred to as a "Merk".
How are you pronouncing Merc? There is is no "k" sound in Mercedes so are you adding one or is it pronounced with a "ce" or "s" sound?
If that were the case they would not be similar in sound.
A Mercury is referred to as a "Merk".
How are you pronouncing Merc? There is is no "k" sound in Mercedes so are you adding one or is it pronounced with a "ce" or "s" sound?
If that were the case they would not be similar in sound.
In England we pronounce it with the 'k'.... MerkFastbuck comes from over the border, (or behind the wall
) so it will be with a nice Scots (Scottish) accent.
Could you tell me what the 'Ed' bit mean on your signature please.
Regards,
John
From a windy Torquay
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From: Red Sox Nation (No. Va. chapter)
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Originally Posted by BudC
Well, it depends on what you call Porsches I'm sure you know that a Beemer is a motorcycle.
I'm sure you know that a Beemer is a motorcycle.
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Apparently, you guys who have never heard Mercedes referred to as Merc have been living sheltered lives. "Merc" is a bit more slang than "Benz" or "Bimmer" or "Caddy." It's more on par with "Deuce and a Quarter." If you don't know what that is then that would explain your unfamiliarity with "Merc."
If you grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, I doubt you would have exposed yourself to such slang. OTOH, it would have been hard to avoid it while growing up in Brooklyn.
If you grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, I doubt you would have exposed yourself to such slang. OTOH, it would have been hard to avoid it while growing up in Brooklyn.
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Originally Posted by glojo
In England we pronounce it with the 'k'.... MerkFastbuck comes from over the border, (or behind the wall
) so it will be with a nice Scots (Scottish) accent.
Could you tell me what the 'Ed' bit mean on your signature please.
Regards,
John
From a windy Torquay
... we accept both the harsh "kay" (k) sound, as well as the soft "cee" (ç) sound, although the latter is much more common... everyone goes around calling their Benzes "Merces" :p
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Originally Posted by etenn
The same thing that "John" means in yours. :p
PLEASE do not think I was being facetious (I do hope I've spelt that one right). I thought it might mean that you are perhaps an 'editor' of this forum.
Hence my genuine interest.
Regards,
John
Windy Torquay
