Jimmyt, you're absolutely right, and breezy is a little full of himself. Webster's defines compensation as

"3. anything given as an equivalent, or to make amends for a loss, damage, etc.; recompense; remuneration; pay."

This has become common usage in the States.

So I disagree with the narrow definition of "compensation means 'making up for something lost' - redressing a balance"

I also disagree with the snide comment, "perhaps something did get lost in American speak and thats why the worlds in the shit." Maybe the world's in the shit from pompous butt-heads who forgot to use their dictionaries before pontificating.

On the other hand, I got to agree with old Bobert and the West Ginny slide rule. I don't really give a rat's ass.