Times Change

Sir,

The rights and wrongs of it are another matter, but I think that it is high time that DSJ and his other pontificants should accept the fact that the word ‘replica’ just isn’t what it used to be. Times change— but DSJ does not seem to change with them!

The kit car fraternity has coined the word ‘replica’ to apply to virtually anything that looks vaguely like something original. This has been developing for a number of years, and there is very little that can be done about this at this stage, so there is little point in DSJ pontificating about dictionary definitions. I agree that there might be more applicable words which describe a ‘lookalike’ better, but ‘replica’ is what appears to have become common usage. So I suggest that DSJ should face up to reality. ‘Replica’ is here to stay—the same as in America a bonnet is a hood, which over here is something completely different. Try changing America.

R. GRAHAM Redhill, Surrey