Connecting with American English: Concise Correspondence

Stephen Chicken has taken issue with the Guardian’s employment of the phrase “reached out”, highlighting it as a notably American colloquialism (Letters, 1 February). He proposes that “contacted” would be a more suitable alternative. However, an examination of the Oxford English Dictionary reveals that the term “contact” also has its roots in early 20th-century American slang, making Chicken’s critique somewhat ironic. This reflects the ongoing fluidity of language—where it often appears that the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Judith Flanders
Montreal, Canada

While dark showering may create a serene atmosphere (Pass notes, 4 February), it is essential to bear in mind that in most cases, bathroom fans are triggered by the light switch. This means during a dark shower, the fan is likely not operational. With the fan designed to expel 15 litres of humid air every second, one must consider, where will all that moisture accumulate if the fan remains inactive?
Carol O’Byrne
Cardiff

I have taken the initiative to install Clawdbot (Viral AI personal assistant seen as step change – but experts warn of risks, 2 February). I have given it the task of reviewing the Guardian daily and generating ten concise email responses to its letters, all in the hope of improving my disappointingly low rate of publication.
Ron Jacob
London

Reflecting back on our youthful days in the 1960s, my peers and I brought two duvets from Copenhagen to Newcastle (Letters, 4 February). Upon our return, a customs officer didn’t believe these duvets were simply bedding and proceeded to open them with a razor blade, searching for illegal substances.
Roger Day
Wedhampton, Wiltshire

I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial regarding leasehold reform (29 January). However, I would propose a slight linguistic adjustment. Individuals purchasing freeholds purely for income through ground rents should not be labeled as “investors.” Rather, they are rentiers, benefitting from the continuous income without engaging in real investment.
Donald Mason
London