The perils of using a dictionary.
I just finished a privatelesson with two people who are learning English to help run their hotel. A couple of minutes after they left one of them returned to collect the umbrella that she forgot. When I answered the door she said - "I am sorry, I forgot my bumbershoot." It IS an alternate word for umbrella but in my whole life I don't think I have ever heard anyone use it.

Is it in common use in the US?

Not common, but I have used it on occasion. I'd have thought she might have said, "brolly," given that you're English - but what do I know!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Geoff,

I answered on your Facebook, but from my perspective it is never used in the U.S. Apparently, given Geoff's response, I am wrong.

I only know the word because of the Seattle festival, Bumbershoot, held every Labor Day weekend.

Ah, and that's probably why Geoff knows it too.

quote:

Originally posted by Kalleh:
Ah, and that's probably why Geoff knows it too.

I didn't know about the Seattle event.