I believe that families with children sometimes play a "spot the lorry" game while driving on the motorway. Though I've never been unfortunate enough to travel long distances in a car with kids, I must admit to noticing when I haven't seen any trucks of a particular company during a journey. Top of the list are the Eddie Stobart vehicles. We are such a sad people that there is even a TV programme about this company. It should be called AnoraksRUs. (I've never watched it, by the way.) It was national news when the previous boss, Eddie Stobart Jr, died not long ago.
The competition was usually between the Stobart lorry-spotters, and those watching out for the Norbert Dentressangle signs. Hell of a name. I always assumed it was a continental company, but apparently it was founded in the UK.
In "researching" this post, I was reminded that it's been a while since I saw one of these trucks:
It seems that they were taken over by Norbert Dentressangle a few years ago. Spoilsports.
Any such saddo games where you hail from?
The competition was usually between the Stobart lorry-spotters, and those watching out for the Norbert Dentressangle signs. Hell of a name. I always assumed it was a continental company, but apparently it was founded in the UK.
In "researching" this post, I was reminded that it's been a while since I saw one of these trucks:
As an only child I didn't play any car games like families w/ kids. But I know kids keep track of license plates when traveling.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered why you guys refer to trucks as 'lorries'.
The one company I loathe seeing is the super religious Covenant Transport, out of Tennessee. They actually have painted on the back of their trailers, "It's a child, not a choice". I always give them the finger when I pass them.
Val. husband loves that programme. I call him a sado!!!
ReplyDeleteI think a new series of it starts next week....
Well, JoJo, maybe we should ask why the US and Canada call them trucks, seeing as how this is England and this is the English language (I always wanted to say that!) Actually, we do use the word truck, too, but usually to refer to the things that go on the rails and are pulled by train engines. But you got me curious, so I looked it up.
ReplyDeleteLorry's origins in the dictionary have a question mark - possibly from 19th century northern English "lurry" to pull. Similarly Truck comes with a ? 17th century from truckle, a small wheel. I already knew that a truckle bed was a small bed that pushes in and out from under a large (usually 4-poster) bed so that the servant could sleep next to the bigwig. I know from my dolls house collecting that they are actually older than 17th century, so how far do I trust the dictionary?
What a fabulous name: Norbert Dentressangle!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I have "2-4-6-8 Motorway" by Tom Robinson stuck in my head. lol
ReplyDeleteSo interesting, Val! We call those beds trundle beds. Wonder why language kept changing on that big trip across the ocean???
ReplyDeleteWe play I see something (then describe some objects color) and everyone gets a guess until it is found. And we start with A in the alphabet and have to name an animal(no repeats) that begins with that letter and on thru the alphabet. It does help pass the time for little ones on a long trip.
ReplyDeleteRuby, you are the only person I've come across, outside those interested in ancient furniture (miniature or full-size) that knows that. Trundle bed and truckle bed are alternative names for the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI have one in my Tudor dolls house!