A porter in a British hotel comes upon an American tourist impatiently jabbing at the button for the lift.
"Sir, the lift will be here in a moment."
"Lift? Lift?" replies the American. "Oh, you mean the elevator."
"No sir, here we call it a lift."
"Well, as it was invented in the United States, it’s called an elevator."
"Yes sir, but as the language was invented here, it’s called a lift."
- this period extended slightly esp. For a holiday or visit etc.
WEIGHIN
n. Weighing of a boxer before a fight.
WEIGHTY
adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 heavy.
- momentous.
- (of utterances etc.) Deserving consideration.
- influential, authoritative. weightily adv. Weightiness n.
WELCOME
—n. Act of greeting or receiving gladly; kind or glad reception. —int. Expressing such a greeting. —v. (-ming) receive with a welcome. —adj. - that one receives with pleasure (welcome guest; welcome news).
- (foll. By to, or to + infin.) Cordially allowed or invited (you are welcome to use my car). make welcome receive hospitably. Outstay one's welcome stay too long as a visitor etc. You are welcome there is no need for thanks. [old english]
WELFARE
n. - well-being, happiness; health and prosperity (of a person or community etc.).
- (welfare) a welfare centre or office. B financial support given by the state. [from *well1, *fare]
- state n. - system whereby the state undertakes to protect the health and well-being of its citizens by means of grants, pensions, etc.
- country practising this system.
- work n. Organized effort for the welfare of the poor, disabled, etc.
WELLIES
n.pl. Colloq. Wellingtons. [abbreviation]
WESTERN
—adj. Of or in the west. —n. Film or novel about cowboys in western north america. westernmost adj.
WETLAND
n. (often in pl.) Swamps and other damp areas of land.
