Today we convened a Q debate about whether the distinctive qualities of British English are being lost as a result of American cultural imperialism. We heard from British journalist and author Matthew Engel, and American lexicographer Grant Barrett, host of the American public radio program A Way With Words.

Listen to what they had to say below, and let us know what you think. Are there Americanisms that set your teeth on edge? Are people who complain about changes to the language fighting a losing battle? Are Americanisms a problem in Canada too? Are distinctively Canadian words and phrases under threat?