Your Letters
The image caption in What Paddington tells us about German v British manners states: "There is no word in German for 'small talk'". It would appear there isn't one in English either. I'll get my duffel coat.
Ian, Bristol
Really? There is a Journal of Politeness Research? The rejection slips for academic papers submitted must be lovely.
Mark, Reading, UK
"The Parachute Regiment has not made an operational jump since the Suez crisis in 1956". Isn't this like cavalry without horses?
Graham, Hayle, Cornwall
Four pieces of music (at least) in 45 minutes. That's not prog rock! Ideally you might fit two in, three at a push.
Harvey Mayne, Frankfurt, Germany
Can just about believe a lap dancer can turn into a nun, but a lap dancer that turned into financial difficulties?
David, Swindon
One is sure that if Paper Monitor did have more regal aspirations the column would have used the word "one". As a pronoun of indefinite gender, it should be close to PMs heart.
Caroline Bown, Rochester, UK