Difference between UK and Great Britain?

[Andreana]

OK, there is this guy from London who's a student here at our university. We've recently had a discussion with him when somebody asked him what the difference between UK and Great Britain was. He said there was none - both terms would be used for the same country. I remembered that our English teacher back at school had told us that there IS a difference and that Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales while the UK is Great Britain plus Northern Ireland. A glance through Wikipedia confirmed that my memory is not that bad at all .
Now, here is my question: How come this Londoner isn't aware of the difference between the UK and Great Britain? Maybe British citizens don't pay too much attention to these definitions because after all it is not imporant anyway. Perhaps it's a bit like referring to the UK by saying England?
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A smile will open doors

[Conchita]

Hello Andreana,

Maybe you’ve already visited the ‘Know Britain’ site. Anyway, the following quote from one of their pages might answer your questions. At the same time, it shows that you practically replied to them yourself:

[Alan]

Hi Andreana,

Speaking as someone who's lived here what seems for ever, I have to admit that it's a complete muddle. If you talk about the English, people in the other parts of the country say: What about us (Scottish/Welsh/northern Irish)? The other expression The British sounds terribly formal to me and of late the expression is The Brits, which to me sounds like the title of a soap opera. I also find it very irritating when I go through one of these lists on the Internet where you're asked for your country. Is it Great Britain or United Kingdom? But there we are - it's one of life's minor irritations. On this site in my newsletters I usually say: Here in the UK we ... and when I fill up (or fill out) a form, I usually write: British/English and that seems to suffice.

Have I confused you or what?

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Well, Hello!

[Andreana]

Hi Alan, thanks a lot for clarifying this point - it shows how complex life can be. That's why it's good that we have the opportunity to pick your brain and get an explanation from you whenever we need. By the way I look forward to reading the next issue of your newsletter.
Regards
Andreana
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A smile will open doors