Couch, Sofa, Davenport

Discussion in 'Evolution of Language' started by Yvonne Smith, Dec 24, 2016.

  1. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    These are all names for one type of furniture that we all know and most of us have one in our homes. The same piece of furniture can also be called a loveseat, or even a settee.
    If they have a mattress inside and fold out into a bed, they are usually known as a hideabed. If there is a back, and only one end piece, then they are usually called a chaise lounge.

    When I was growing up, my mom and dad called it the "daveno" ; but I have since discovered that many people have never heard of this word. Now, it seems like most people just call it a couch, and if it is a very nice one, then it is often referred to as a sofa.
    One popular brand of couches was made by the Davenport company, and the name began to be used generically for any couch, similar to how "Kleenex" became the word to describe any kind of facial tissue.

    What names did you grow up hearing that referred to a couch or sofa ? Apparently, daveno was popular in the northwest part of the United States, which would explain why I would have learned it growing up in Idaho.

    This is our little Sheba Pom (passed away several years ago) enjoying the chaise lounge.
    IMG_0151.JPG
     
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  2. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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  3. Holly Saunders

    Holly Saunders Supreme Member
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    awwww cute picture Yvonne...

    I've never heard of the word Daveno, but as you say probably because it's indigenous to North America...

    I grew up calling them , settees (and we also had a chaise lounge) which was a lush green braided tapestry style ....but since being an adult I 've always called them Sofas or couches...but mainly I refer to mine as sofas..


    I've also had Futons...not the roll down mattress type of a wooden bench style but a little bit more upholstered...like this very similar one to one I had in my spare room ...however my father always called these bed Settees.. ...


    affordable-Cabo-Modern-Convertible-Futon-Sofa-Bed.jpeg
     
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  4. Patsy Faye

    Patsy Faye Supreme Member
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  5. Holly Saunders

    Holly Saunders Supreme Member
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    Yes you;re right , they are really comfy Patsy, because they are 'sprung''...also you have the benefit of storage underneath too as well :)..
     
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  6. Patsy Faye

    Patsy Faye Supreme Member
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    Would be too long to fit me space - damn and blast !! :rolleyes:
     
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  7. Holly Saunders

    Holly Saunders Supreme Member
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    That's a shame, but you can get shorter ones...and also some with only one end on (one arm)... which would take up less space too..
     
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  8. Patsy Faye

    Patsy Faye Supreme Member
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    No I need arms Holly otherwise I'll tip over the side ..............:p
    So, I can get shorter ones, I'll check that after Christmas, thanks me darlin' :)
     
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  9. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    Daveno : "........ daveno also refers to a sofa or couch. This terminology was more widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the Pacific Northwest".
     
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  10. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    I usually call it a 'couch' but when I hear someone else call it 'sofa' in a conversation I do as the Romans do. Kind of like that with 'soda' and 'pop' too. I won't go into the tomato/potato thing. :rolleyes:
     
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  11. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    Language changes everyday, and we don't have to like or dislike it. We get to choose our own words. I like that.
     
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  12. To me it's always been a couch- except for the smaller ones called loveseats.
     
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  13. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Generally, its a couch. However, while I was in California, they were referred to as sofas. I could have picked davenport out as a synonym but have never heard anyone use it as a word.
     
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  14. Chrissy Cross

    Chrissy Cross Supreme Member
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    I usually say couch or sofa, know what a Davenport is but have never heard anyone use that word.

    I also use couch the most but have used sofa.
     
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  15. Kate Ellery

    Kate Ellery Supreme Member
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    Aussies call it a Lounge ..or in the case of two single lounge chairs and a 2/3 seater it would be a lounge suite
    We have what is called a recliner lounge suite :D:)
    The forum is very educational ,learning what people in other countries call items in and around their homes
    :)
     
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