("Modelflyer" wrote)
Funny, we call them clothspegs here in Ireland, I suppose it's the same in
the UK.


In Minnesota we say "rubber binders" for "rubber bands."

It goes back to a group of teachers, from New England, who came to Minnesota
in the mid 1800's. They were from a region in New England (forget where)
that used the term "rubber binders" ...for "rubber bands". As far as author
Stuart Flexner could discover, these are the only two pockets of population,
in the country, where the majority of the people still say "rubber binders."

(From Wikipedia)
Stuart Berg Flexner (1928–90) was a lexicographer, editor and author, noted
for his books on the origins of American words and expressions, including [I
Hear America Talking] and[Listening to America]; as co-editor of the
[Dictionary of American Slang]; and as chief editor of the [Random House
Dictionary, Second Edition].

I Hear America Talking: An Illustrated Treasury of American Words and
Phrases (1976)

Listening to America: An Illustrated History of Words and Phrases from our
Lively and Splendid Past (1982)

At $2 (plus shipping) I think I'll order myself a hardcover copy - of each.
Mom has the books I leafed through ...25-30 years ago. I want my own copies.
:-)

This was a very good 8 Part series! Catch it if it comes around again.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0198245/
The Story of English (1986)


Montblack