Mr Chilcutt didnt like some of the following in another thread, hence this thread.

I think I would be asking a few English teachers for their opinion of what is the appropriate use of "engine" & "motor" before I would take the view of a Singapore night club disk jock !!
We seldom hear of an electric engine, that dosent make a petrol motor an incorrect expression.

Are you saying that General Motors only makes electric motors ?
Interestingly Detroit Engine & Turbine Company have made electric motors. I dont know if they still do.
Toyota Motor Company ?
Ford Motor Company?
Yamaha Motor Company?
Motor bikes?
National Motor Museum?
Motor shows?
Motor Homes?

The words "motor" & "engine" are generic terms and in most cases are interchangeable.

To ask the question;
"Is the correct word for the powerplant in a car, truck, or motorcycle called an engine, or a motor?"
Is nothing more than an attempt to generate a division. Depending where you are, where you grew up & where you were educated both could be correct. It is very divisive to try and call one correct & the other not.
There are plenty of other words that one could do the same thing with.
For example "Sister" or "Nun".
For those with a strong chemistry background ; Is Manganese a metal?

Its interesting to see what parts of modern society have a need for strict right & wrong as destinct from shades of gray.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving