orcs and goblins- what's the difference???

[Galin]

Originally Posted by Eönwë

Well, if I remember correctly, I think that goblin is used earlier on and eventually stops being used in favour of orc. And yes, it is mostly used in relation to Hobbits.

I think the word goblin is used to show the orcs as creatures of legend which the Hobbits know only from stories, and so the reader can relate to it as a distant tale. I don't think that anyone other than the Hobbits ever use it in LOTR, and it fades out in narration as well.

Gimli says 'goblins' in Lothlorien (the chapter) for example (and Gamling uses 'goblin-men'), but why should the reader not think that this translates Westron orc (or whatever the plural)?

Regarding what you've suggested above, I'm not sure how it could be supported by the examples -- but anyway, as you agree that orc is Westron, your idea implies the notion that there is some other unknown Westron word Frodo is really using, which is being translated by English 'goblin'...

... but Tolkien explains 'goblin' has been used to translate orc.