Can they mean the same thing?

No, I think this weekend would be correct because it's Monday

Yes, if it's Monday, it would be 'this weekend' as in 'the weekend coming up after "this" Friday'. 'Next weekend' in this context would imply the following weekend.

I confirm both statements by panz and cav.

Yes, although among native English speakers this is still a common subject of miscommunication.

Thank you, as your combined opinions are directly opposed to mine, it is confirmation that you are indeed correct.

Stuh writes, "…among native English speakers this is still a common subject of miscommunication."
Not just the English natives methinks.


Cavfancier writes, "'Next weekend' in this context would imply the following weekend."

Therefore, can we now say:

a) "We meet the following weekend"
b) "We meet the next weekend"

Thus ensuring everyone turns up on the ?'right' weekend.

My custom is to say "this coming weekend", which eliminates any possibility of confusion.

"My custom is to say "this coming weekend", which eliminates any possibility of confusion."

Aa, I tremble as I write in pigeon English, in the certain knowledge I will fail to meet the minimum standards you expect for social inter- er, shall we say action. That is the price I pay for spending so much time in the wilderness. Nevertheless, I feel I must ?'run the gauntlet' to praise your comment. It brings light into the dark recesses of confusion and doubt. Mark Twain could have done no better.

Compare your succinct comment with say, Cavfancier, "Yes, if it's Monday before lunch. No, if it is raining. It would be 'this weekend' if the wind was from the west. Otherwise, as in 'the weekend coming up after "this" Friday', if there is no ?'R' in the month. 'Next weekend' in this context would imply the following weekend before that, not counting this one".

If you see what I mean.
BTW is the old Jumping Frog still about? Good luck with the prospecting. :wink: