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> As a native of... nowhere in particular, I think "up" and "down" are pretty universal among Americans for "north" and "south." You're probably right, but I t

by zeveb 9y ago

> As a native of... nowhere in particular, I think "up" and "down" are pretty universal among Americans for "north" and "south." You're probably right, but I think it's relatively new; IIRC traditionally 'up' & 'down' refer to elevation. And of course maps used to be drawn with east, rather than north, at the top (hence the phrase 'orient a map' — 'orient' just means 'east'). I always use 'up' & 'down' for elevation, but I'm weird:-)

acheron 9y ago
(hence the phrase 'orient a map' — 'orient' just means 'east'). I used to think this too, but I did some research once and it appears the origin of "orient" the verb is unrelated to east-printed maps, and has more to do with building your church so that the altar faces east.