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, Reply)