In reply to:

(just as i don't ever use the word dear to mean expensive or pricey). but then the irish (as well as americans) have a long history of using word the english think to be archaic (just because they have stopped using them)

Actually, I think 'dear' meaning expensive is still alive and well in England. I don't think I would say something was dear (so blunt, these Americans) but I might say "It's a bit on the dear side".

Bingley


Bingley