An American visiting England walked into a hotel lobby and pushed a button for elevator service. "The lift will be down presently," said a nearby clerk. 　　"The lift?" said the American."Oh, you mean the elevator." 　　"No, I mean the lift," replied the Englishman, annoyed by the American's arrogance. 　　"I think I should know what it's called," said the American."After all, elevators were invented in the United States."

　　"Perhaps," retorted the Englishman. "But the language was invented here."