Hi Ahuka,

I always enjoy your reports from Penguicon. This one was great!

As to your reflection on the pronunciation of the word "solder" I have a few remarks:

- The word is derived from the Latin "solidare" - to make solid

- Yes, the British do generally pronounce it to rhyme with "colder" and "folder". This seems to make sense given that its form is very similar. Pronouncing "folder" as "fodder", even in dialect, would be very confusing, for example.

- The French equivalent is "souder", which sounds (to my ears) like "sooday".

- I have seen it suggested that the USA pronunciation is derived from the French.

Language is fun! I recently bought a Chinese hot air soldering gun (SMD Rework Station) from Amazon. I particularly like the legend on the box which says:

"Soft and spiral wind can welds all chips"

Words to live by ;-)