Chunnel Train Arrangements
#21
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
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My memory is that "chunnel" was invented by British headline writers in the early 1990s.
It never took off, and is now really used only by tourists trying to show off their (inaccurate) local knowledge, though journalists still have it as one of those words (like 'snub') that no-one uses, but save space and are widely understood.
I'm told British tourists in the US talking about somewhere called Frisco are a rough parallel.
It never took off, and is now really used only by tourists trying to show off their (inaccurate) local knowledge, though journalists still have it as one of those words (like 'snub') that no-one uses, but save space and are widely understood.
I'm told British tourists in the US talking about somewhere called Frisco are a rough parallel.
#25
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 305
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Sorry, I am one of those tourists , "who does travel a lot" who used the word Chunnel. To PalenQ, I want to thank you for Byron's number. He has made my Eurostar reservations (one-way to Paris first class for $164USD). I am going on the 12:30. I will take the 8:30 am from York to arrive by 12:00 at the Eurostar checkin. He was also able to purchase for me an 8 day British Rail Pass that I can use for Cardiff, York Edinburgh and Glasglow. It was very helpful. For example, if one travels to an from say Oxford or Cardiff or York and arrives before midnight, this counts as one day of travel. I am looking forward to taking several day trips. Having Byron take care of the train portion of my trip has been extremely helpful and time-saving!!! Thanks so much. Johanna
#26
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
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Johanna thanks for the thanks but the word Chunnel is officially banned on Fodor's due to concerns for the sensabilities, if not sensitivities, of Brits
I've taken first class on the Chunnel trains a few times and there is a vast difference in seat sizes and they serve a great meal and IME keep bringing out the booze!
I've taken first class on the Chunnel trains a few times and there is a vast difference in seat sizes and they serve a great meal and IME keep bringing out the booze!
#27
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
'Chunnel' (which dates from 1928!) is still occasionally encountered, but is used less now that the Tunnel is a reality.
this from the Oxford dictionary sourcing and it originated in good ole England not the U.S.
Chunnel - get over it
this from the Oxford dictionary sourcing and it originated in good ole England not the U.S.
Chunnel - get over it
#28
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
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Given the number of posts from yanks absolutely desperate to blend in, I would have thought you'd all have avoided 'Chunnel' like the plague....
If you really want to stand out, (and don't want to do the whole photographers gilet and fanny pack business), you might want to just periodically plonk 'the' in front of Eurostar, use 'Brit Air' (instead of 'British Airways', 'Virgin Airways' (instead of Virgin Atlantic), and (my personal favourite) 'Stonehinge'.
If you really want to stand out, (and don't want to do the whole photographers gilet and fanny pack business), you might want to just periodically plonk 'the' in front of Eurostar, use 'Brit Air' (instead of 'British Airways', 'Virgin Airways' (instead of Virgin Atlantic), and (my personal favourite) 'Stonehinge'.
#30
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
#37
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 314
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In the technology sector, a chunnel refers to the large air duct that expunges approximately 1,000,000 cubic feet of supercooled air per minute (more or less) onto the area in which you are trying to work.
Usually found above cubes or in data centres above the KVM switches that attach to the monitors and keyboards, thusly making the affected technician shiver so much that he mis-types commands and destroys critical data.
Usually found above cubes or in data centres above the KVM switches that attach to the monitors and keyboards, thusly making the affected technician shiver so much that he mis-types commands and destroys critical data.


