On 14/02/2008, Claude Poliakoff, MD FACS <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Let me place an American vote for "fridge" which is so self-explanatory > that any American should recognize it. As for "biro" for ballpoint pen, > that might not be so obvious. "Hoover" on the other hand is either > American or I'm giving away my age. Like the Trash 80 and luggable > discussion. > > > Claude
<snip> I didn't mean that the words are British. I meant that in my experience of over 20 years travelling and working in the US I've never heard anyone use those words, in this context, in normal conversation. Instead they say "ballpoint", "vacuum" (which is even used as a verb) and "refrigerator". On the other hand, I've rarely heard Brits use "vacuum", especially not as a verb, and "fridge" is absolutely normal. Use of "Biro" is decreasing, presumably because the company isn't as prominent as it was - is it still going? -- Harold Fuchs London, England Please reply *only* to [email protected]
