Z's instead of S's in words such as realise

[PureAppleJuice]

So which is the correct way? I'm having a semi argument with my girlfriend (ok it's highly trivial).

Realise
Industrialise
Cauterise

etc. is what I'd deem the British way. Z's as the American way. Though I believe Z was previously the British way and it swapped for some obscure reason.

There's probably no right or wrong answer but what do you guys reckon?

 

[PureAppleJuice]

It is spelled with a Z according to OED so I assume that has to be correct

^ That was my gf, she has my login details on her PC /cry

 

[PureAppleJuice]

Hehe cheers for the replise. I feel sorry for the guy above who didnt meet the seven inches

 

[PureAppleJuice]

Are there any words where it should definately be ise or definately be ize, or is all down to the readers opinion?

There's a load of exceptions where it can only be -ise. One of the links above has all those words. Words like revise etc.