It seems that words travel both ways across the Atlantic. We get Americanisms, mostly annoying ones, and we get them 24/7. Americans get the occasional Britishism. However, there is a difference. The disparity of size and power between our two nations means that Britishisms make it over there on merit. Each is a mot juste, which is darn tootin’ or spot on. The reverse does not hold.

Hugh gives three examples: “trendy”, “chattering classes” and “kerfuffle”.

These are very good words, and our cousins should be grateful. “Trendy”, at least as we use it, is slightly disparaging and, as well as meaning fashionable, also suggests a preoccupation with ephemera. “Chattering classes” is no longer trendy, but it served its purpose. Those formerly of the chattering classes may now be said to subscribe to the “bruschetta orthodoxies”. “Kerfuffle” is a wonderful word. It sounds funny, and has echoes of “faffing” about, another word that Americans could well use if they don’t already.

Before “kerfuffle” what did Americans call a hoo-ha, or an occasion of faffing about? They panicked in silence, or perhaps fell back on a broo-ha-ha. This won’t do at all.

Britishisms in America obviously fill a gap. You could call it niche marketing, as opposed to the mass marketing that is characteristic of Americanisms. Fortnum and Masons as opposed to Wall Mart. Give thanks for your wicker hamper, which contains choicest tea and coffee from Taylor's of Harrogate, Gentlemen’s Relish, Horseradish Sauce, Duchy Originals Chocolate Ginger Thins (eaten by Prince Charles himself), Coopers Oxford Fine Cut Marmalade and biscuits from Betty’s, the best biccies money can buy. Don’t throw it all into Boston Harbour. Look what that led to.