Americanisms

Some Americanisms I don’t mind as the English language has never been static and continues to evolve. However, a phrase that grates is ‘for free’

Why not say ‘free’?

Until not many years ago, I didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘diaper’. I had an idea that it was some sort of clamp such as you would find in a tool box or on a work bench. To this day, I can’t come to terms with the thought of babies wearing diapers. 

ArchaeC said:

I had an idea that it was some sort of clamp such as you would find in a tool box or on a work bench.

WHAT

ArchaeC said:

I had an idea that it was some sort of clamp such as you would find in a tool box or on a work bench.

WHAT

I’m glad that you see some rationality to my thinking

‘Diameter’ and ‘calliper’ are the two things that came to mind. The combination creates a rather horrible image.

I can understand that misunderstanding as 'dia' is also the start of 'diameter' and 'diaper' also sort of resembles 'caliper'. If you don't know a word, looking for clues in the letters can help - or take you somewhere else interesting!

Umm hmm, yes. ️