Rabrrrrrr
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 09:45 AM
Original message |
Why do we add a 'd' to 'refrigerator' when we shorten it to 'fridge'? |
|
The other thread about the bad refrigerator made me think about this.
Is it just because who ever came up with it thought 'frig' or 'frige' looked funny (as it does)?
Or is there some other more technical and interesting linguistic reason?
|
HopeHoops
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 09:51 AM
Response to Original message |
1. Because otherwise it would be pronounced FRIE-ge |
|
The "d" makes it a short "i".
|
Tuesday Afternoon
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 09:56 AM
Response to Original message |
2. it was originally shortened from Frigidaire. |
Aristus
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 09:56 AM
Response to Original message |
3. And without the -e-, it would be 'frigg'. |
|
The -d- is necessary to make the single syllable consistent with the second syllable of the longer word, refrigerator.
|
fishwax
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:02 AM
Response to Original message |
4. because the vowel-consonant-e pattern in "frige" would imply a long "i" |
|
While in "refrigerator" the i is short because it is closed by a consonant (the "e" belongs to the next syllable).
|
DevonRex
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:52 AM
Response to Reply #4 |
Robb
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:24 AM
Response to Original message |
5. Because the Kaiser stole our word for icebox |
GOPisEvil
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:24 AM
Response to Original message |
6. We held a meeting. It was decided that we do as much as possible to piss you off. |
Rabrrrrrr
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:28 AM
Response to Reply #6 |
7. Excellent! Every day of being pissed off only makes me more powerful. |
ashling
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:40 AM
Response to Reply #7 |
8. And we thank God we are not downwind |
Schema Thing
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 11:42 AM
Response to Original message |
9. Because by shortening the word, we have the extra time |
Jade Fox
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Sat Sep-26-09 12:00 PM
Response to Original message |
11. Waaaaay too much time on your hands. nt |
DU
AdBot (1000+ posts) |
Sat May 11th 2024, 12:30 PM
Response to Original message |