Re: [romconlang] -able

> Obviously, I know that it also can mean "shovel" and I have no trouble
> making the leap to that definition in context; it just takes a
> millsecond or two.   I don't even think "old word" is appropriate - it
> is a current word, just not IML.  Unlike the "pavement" case, you'll
> note I didn't generalize; I never claimed it was archaic or British or
> anything, just not part of my natural vocabulary.
>
Funny, isn't it. I'm aware of the pejorative use of the word spade, but the
first image to my mind is the tool.

I also distinguish between a spade (blade generally flat, used for digging)
and shovel (blade curved or flanged, used for..well, shovelling). But I've
notice the distinction is being lost over here too, although shovel is
losing ground to spade. I suppose the need for shovels, and thus the word,
disappeared when we stopped using coal or building by hand.

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