"You remember the film Genevieve - it has five minutes of emotive and provocative scenes of that girl wearing her white mack, until she finally bursts out laughing and throws her arms around her lover."

"Yes, and she even lay on the bed in her mack…What does emotive mean?"

"Tending to excite."

"A bit like predilection?"

"No, that is different and means mental preference or being partial to something."

"Well I suppose that is what it's all about isn't it? Janet at the office told me never to let a boy friend get solemn and guilty about mackintoshes. Tease him and show him they are lovely things to be enjoyed. If you are light-hearted about them he will really appreciate that."

The queue shuffled forward and the girls turned round. When they saw my expression they realised I had heard what they were talking about! We all enjoyed a good laugh.

Robin

 

SHOP | CLUB FOYER | CHILLOUT ROOM | ASK LORRAINE

 

 

---

Overheard in a cinema queue sometime in the 1950s

---

"So you decided to get one like mine after all?"

"Yes. I tried on one of those light weight things with a rubber lining but in the end I felt more comfortable wrapped up in something that was a thicker and heavier."

"Well it is said that a girl in a mack is a boy's best friend, so you had better watch out."

"I don't mind that - I feel well protected especially when I have pulled the belt nice and tight."

"It would really set them going if they saw you doing that. Even more so if you turned up your collar and thrust your hands into your pockets."

"Doing that gives me a bit of a sensation so I don't mind if it gave then a thrill as well!. Something called empathy I think."