Using the word 'reference' to start a phone call
You know, as in 'Reference our conversation last tuesday'.

It's acceptable to write that in a letter, or an email. But do not say it to me over the phone, please.

What's wrong with 'I'm calling about our conversation last Tuesday'? Why 'Reference'? Is that even gramatically correct?
(Flap Burger hasn't really got a burger made of flaps, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 22:35, 2 replies)

Are they trying
to make Re: sound more formal and grown up and hasn't realised it means regarding in that context, and he's confused Re: with Ref: like at the top of a letter?
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 22:48, closed)

I thought RE: meant reply?!
Like on an email? If you reply it has RE: at the start of the subject and if you forward it has FW:

I always thought people saying 'reference' in that context were just idiots without the ability to follow a pattern as set out to them day after day on outlook.

I know the traditional 're' has a different meaning, but the conversational use of 'reference' seems to be entirely related to email style speak to me.

I guess I spend too much time with computers...
( more balanced than jeremy beadle It wasn't me..., Mon 12 Apr 2010, 23:52, closed)