"I still like the term "cash machine" and I wish everyone would adopt it. I dislike calling things by letters. "

Well, I sort of agree in principle, but the gadget does FAR more than give out cash. ATM stands for 'automatic teller machine', which describes what it is better. Maybe call them 'wall banks'?

Phrases like 'mobile' in he UK and 'cell phone' here are similar. 'Mobile' could refer to many things unless you know the context...'cell phone' is a bit more specific, as it says phone and also refers to the 'cellular grid' that the technology employs.

I usually prefer terms that have at least some etymological indication of the meaning... 'knickers' means almost nothing to me, although I have since learned its referent.
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Here in the US, I once worked in a grocery store where I was told to 'get a Listo' and mark those items. Blank stare....turns out Listo was simply a brand names for a 'grease pencil', a kind of marker with an extrudable core of dyed wax.

In the UK, the term 'Araldite', a registered trademark of a type of epoxy, is used as a generic term, like Kleenex, a trademark of 'tissue for nose blowing' often is here.


My personal wish is for everyone to use whatever term is common at home, but to try to be aware of the generic terms and be ABLE to translate their own slang and vernacular when traveling or greeting strangers who may not share the language.