My cousin emailed me about his birth anniversary, which I found odd. I asked him why he didn't just say, "birthday." He said that the day of his birth is his birthday, but after that it's the birth anniversary.

That sounds pretty prescriptive to me. Has anyone else used that?

I've never come across it before. It's not as if there's much chance of confusion. If he wanted to specify the actual day he was born he could use 'birth day' or 'day of (his) birth'

I know - and, in fact, I was a bit confused by his term "birth anniversary."

Kalleh, I'm sure you've seen or heard me using it. I have for years and years. Kudos to your cousin for getting it right!

I've never heard it either. A form requests your 'date of birth'; an individual might ask 'what day were you born?' If you live somewhere'birth anniversary' is common, I imagine they also say 'wedding anniversary' to avoid confusion.

quote:

Kalleh, I'm sure you've seen or heard me using it.

Ah, yes, I do remember.