Roller coaster = Russian Mountains
I would like to know, why do americans call roller coaster Russian Mountains?

And by the way. Do you know, that in Russian we call this American Mountains? Haha :)

Question

Roller coaster = Russian Mountains
I would like to know, why do americans call roller coaster Russian Mountains?

And by the way. Do you know, that in Russian we call this American Mountains? Haha :)

Answer

They are called Russian Mountains because the idea roller coasters came from Russian ice slides.  These started in the 17th century and became more elaborate, being supported with wooden frames in parts.  They became very popular and were copied in Europe.  Eventually, someone got the idea to use wheels so that the ride could be used in warm weather, where winter wasn't so long.  However, the name Russian Mountain, stuck.  It is used less today, but still survives.

Answer

Goatish, It's strange, because I heard it in the podcast (englishpod). Two persons on it speak about that.

Answer

I had never heard of "Russian Mountains" before your post.    It seems the earliest forms of roller coasters were in Russia and that's why Americans used the term.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster

Interesting bit of trivia!

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