An American visiting England walked into a hotel lobby and pushed a button for elevator service. “The lift will be down presently,” said a nearby clerk.

“The lift?”, said the American. “Oh, you mean the elevator.”

“No, I mean the lift, replied the Englishman, annoyed by the American’s arrogance.

“I think I should know what it’s called,” said the American. “After all, elevators were invented in the United States.”

“Perhaps,” retorted the Englishman. “But the language was invented here.”