Speaking of FUN, I’d like to say a few words about American fridges. Firstly, of course, folks don’t call them that here. I once called up Sears and found myself talking to an automated answering machine. ‘Which department do you want?’ ‘Fridges’ ‘We do not recognize that request.’ ‘Rrefrrrrigerratorrrrs.’ I got straight through.
Fridges are dinky things. I never thought so at the time I had one, but I know that now I live with a refrigerator. Should I ever want to, I can climb in, chill and stretch out. And what’s curious is that when we return with the shopping, just like a fridge, there still isn’t enough room.
Refrigerators are open spaces, where trespass isn’t an issue for your pals. Fridges, on the other hand, are private spaces and guests rarely enter without checking first. That hadn’t occurred to me either, until the first time an American friend strolled over, opened the door, and helped himself to a cold beer.
‘But what’s all this got to do with FUN Vicki?’, you may be asking. Well, nothing in particular, except I thought you might enjoy a minute or two of this appliances ad from the 50s. These guys seem to be having the time of their lives.
Very funny, at the same time very innovative.
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Hi Vicki, love the post!
Here in Spain they’re called ‘neveras americanas’ and in the UK (I believe, it’s been a while) they still distinguish between the lowly ‘fridge’ and an “American” fridge (awed hush descends) a symbol that you’ve made it, not least because you have a kitchen large enough to accommodate one (Nigella Lawson has one, need I say more?)
To me it has always been a potent American icon, Maybe it’s our association, through the media, of Americans with food, hospitality, the big family kitchen, etc. I think every single episode of the Sopranos had Tony opening the fridge. Even those of more modest dimensions (for example in ‘Friends’) tend to have those sleek, retro, 1950s lines that have made the ‘Smeg’ fridge such a must have in Europe.
And what I wouldn’t give for a door dispensing crushed ice here in sunny Spain.
As I said, love the post. Maybe because I love fridges a little too much!
Oh what beautiful observations Jessica – Ha! THANK YOU!
Sam, you seem to sell refrigerators yourself. What did you think of the ad?
lol, great ad! not something for my fridges but I like it. Did our parents really watch this kind of stuff?