To CRs, and my Best Friend Ted:
I grew up in Chicago, like Ted Ernst. One thing he and I have in common is a distain for weak, insipid, flaccid ambiguous, and otherwise wishy-washy language!
'Political Correctness' has diluted our bicycling expressions into bland and sanitized echos of their original vernacular.
I prefer the accurate and precise bicycle language of the period being discussed. Unfortunately, (like the French) some modern 'contamination' has occurred, and some pitiful personal preferences have become standard phrases.
So Ted, please continue with your 'period correct' descriptions, but provide an occasional translation to ensure accurate communication. I'd especially like to hear a 'context' story to clarify the use of the term(s).
best regards (to you and Baron Munchausen!)
Andrew Gillis (clear, windy and crisp riding at dusk in Long Beach, CA)