The term continental United States can refer to either:
-the 48 contiguous states plus the District of Columbia; or
-the 48 contiguous states plus the District of Columbia and Alaska.
The term "the lower 48 (states)" arose before Hawaii became a state, and is no longer accurate since Hawaii is the southernmost state of the Union. If interpreted literally, the term would refer to all states except Alaska and Minnesota, the two northernmost states. Regardless of its accuracy, though, "the lower 48" is commonly understood to mean the contiguous U.S., excluding Alaska and Hawaii (especially when spoken from the vantage point of Alaska).
In Alaska, the term "lower 48" is used, in addition to "continental United States," to refer to the contiguous states. Long-time residents often simply call this area "Outside".
Εμένα μ' ενδιαφέρει αν ξέρει κάποιος την απόδοση του the lower 48 . Αλλά αν γνωρίζετε και το contiguous U.S., θα ήταν χρήσιμο να υπάρχουν και τα δύο στο ίδιο νήμα. Αν και υποψιάζομαι ότι μια απόδοση θα υπάρχει και για τα δύο, αφού είναι το ίδιο πράγμα. Δε νομίζω δηλαδή να υπάρχει κάτι με τον αριθμό "48".
Ή μήπως υπάρχει; Ευχαριστώ!
