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The data suggest that over 80% of people in the UK know what 'pelmet' means.

I had to look it up, so the 80% number surprises me. Perhaps it's because I've always bought blinds instead of curtains, or maybe the sample isn't representative? Or maybe I just need to pay more attention...

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> The data suggest that over 80% of people in the UK know what 'pelmet' means

I think it's whether they recognise it as a real word or not, not if they understand the meaning. From the paper:

> For each vocabulary test, a random sample of 67 words and 33 nonwords was selected. For each letter string, participants had to indicate whether or not they knew the stimulus.

You can see the original vocab test that provided the report data still available at http://vocabulary.ugent.be/

I have curtains in just about every window and had never heard of a pelmet. I just have exposed rails like an unsophisticated peasant.

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