chiller cabinet or fridge?

[darth vader]

why have we stopped calling the old ice box a 'fridge', and now referring to it as the 'chiller cabinet'?

[robber1]

You are most likely correct in what you say but I for one still call a fridge...a fridge. I was unaware that it was called an ice box in this country. I have heard it called an ice box on American TV programs though.

[darth vader]

Elle, 3 questions down (for starters) also i've noticed it recently in a couple of adverts.......

[Elle]

Alright Darth, guilty as charged! I would call a fridge the type of appliance that most people would have in there kitchen, with a door that keeps everything enclosed. I would call a chiller cabinet the kind of thing you'd find in a supermarket, 'cause it really is just a shelf or cabinet that's kept chilled. Whatever the correct terms, I can't really say that I let it invade my conciousness that much. It's just one of those things you pick up from adverts and suchlike. Try not to let it play on your mind Darth. :o)

[bernardo]

Who is this "we" to whom you refer in the question?

[KEJ2000]

Hi! I would like to add that "ice box" is actually an old-fashioned American term. It was used in the 1950s and earlier. That term is no longer used today, even by Americans. Since the '50s, the appliance in which items are kept frozen has been called a "freezer". A "fridge" [refrigerator] is where items are kept cool (but not frozen).

[darth vader]

cor blimey i wish i'd never asked now. "Ice box" was a term i made up on the spot to refer to the big white box, the fridge, the ice cabinet, the cooler, the beer chiller the..... whatever. The "we" business is the royal we and indicates no one in particular but i have noticed some people referring to it as that, that's all. OK! aaaaarrrrrgggghhhhhhhh.......

[melandraf]

Because Americanism is catching, Darth...

[KEJ2000]

Yes, it's all part of a big plot!!! A secret plot by America to take over Britain. Today: your language. Tomorrow: your country!!!!! Melandraf is the only one perceptive enough to see it coming....