Chapter 19 Excerpt

Attire and Accessories

An area fraught with confusion. All little children wear vests - underneath their jumpers?!   You'll think your kids are speaking a different language, and before long, you too will be saying, "It's raining, you'd better put your wellies on!"   In this chapter I explain the different meanings of the same words, such as vest, knickers and jumper.   Believe me, this knowledge can save you hours of misunderstandings and confusion.

"The clothes you'll wear in the rain (and there will be lots of them) require special attention, as some of the words are almost unbelievable.   A raincoat will be referred to as a "mac", (proper name "Mackintosh"); a slightly padded raincoat will be called an "anorak", (not as thick as a parka); your rubber, rainproof boots are your "wellies", (proper name "Wellington boots"); the hat you might wear is your "Sou Wester" and your "galoshes" are your rubber overshoes, although they are less common in the UK than one would imagine.   Oh yes, and you'd be well advised to carry your "brolly" (umbrella) with you at all times."