Thanks Frank. It's interesting how names change so much from region to region.

I had always assumed that the "string" in string beans referred to the way they were grown, draped over a taut string. At least I have often seen them grown that way to keep the mature beans off the soil. They grow fine by themselves of course, unlike what we call runner beans which need sticks, stakes or hanging strings to grow up. These ones become very fibrous as they mature and take a bit of skill to de-string when preparing!

As to mange tout/snow peas the ones I buy very rarely have any strings in them. Maybe they are just harvested very young for the UK supermarkets. 

Anyway, I hope your noodle cooking experiences turn out well.