Broodings | Reg Green: Snappy Dresser

A “vest” (Photo – nick)

As most readers know, French fries are called chips in England and, when I was growing up there, were an indispensable ingredient of a happy life.

By Reg Green

A friend at high school, tired of my praise of the US, once said to me, “Do you know what Americans call chips? French fried potatoes!” He snorted in disgust. “The snappy language!” Even now after more than fifty years in this country when I ask for French fries I remember his scorn.

I still say some words the English way. One is ‘vest,’ which is called a variety of names here ranging from ‘undershirts’ in genteel parlours to ‘wife beaters’ by those who know nothing about the balance of power in marriages. except what they’ve picked up watching noir alley movies.

A week or two ago, deciding I needed one more of them, I (humbly) asked my wife to pick one up at a local store. Instead, she placed the order online. The package arrived yesterday labelled ‘athletic shirts’ (ugh!) with not one in it but three. Now I own a drawerful. At 96 that’s hubris in any language.

PS At least they aren’t called hubby hitters.