LET THERE BE LIGHT

Why in the world do we call a flashlight a flashlight? What is flashing? The thing we use with a camera actually does flash but we usually call it a strobe. The British call a flashlight a torch which I think is just as loony. Should it be a portable lamp?

A lamp holds a light bulb. Is bulb correct? I plant bulbs and their shape is similar to light bulbs except for the fluorescent bulbs which are actually tubes and the new fluorescent bulbs which are actually shaped like a pig's tail.

Referring to a traffic signal, we call out a red light and a green light but I've never heard anyone say amber light. People just say amber or yellow. Are these things lights or lamps?

Have you ever seen a black light? I have one. How crazy is that?

Has this been enlightening or has it been too dark or too heavy for you?
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