califont
New Zealand English term for a gas water heater -- the kind that heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank.
Definitions
New Zealand English term for a gas water heater -- the kind that heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. The word is so deeply embedded in NZ usage that many New Zealanders are surprised to learn it is not universal. It functions as a genericized trademark, similar to how 'hoover' works for vacuum cleaners in Britain.
The califont had been playing up all week, and cold showers in July were not appreciated.
Comments
A New Zealand English term for an instantaneous or continuous-flow gas water heater — the kind that heats water on demand as it passes through the unit, rather than storing it in a tank. The term is essentially unique to New Zealand and is not used elsewhere in the English-speaking world, where 'gas water heater' or 'combi boiler' would be used instead. Califonts are common in New Zealand homes and the word is deeply embedded in everyday Kiwi English.
The califont was playing up again, so they had to wait ages for the shower to run hot.
Comments
(NZ) a type of water heater.
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