The English language has many irregularities that make it difficult to learn for people speaking other languages. These irregularities have to do with the changes of words over time and often date back to a long time ago.
A few days ago, I came across the phrase box spring and thought How are English learners supposed to know what that means? Thankfully, box springs are not really used anymore...
Today, I came across another phrase and my thoughts, once again, went to my students and learners of English in general. The phrase ice chest, referring to a chest full of ice to keep foods and drinks cold, makes sense. The word cooler also makes sense because it keeps things cool. However, now I see the words are combined in an inexplicable manner, both online and on store signs, and the phrase chest cooler is in use. Why would people call it a chest cooler when they can call it simply a cooler? It doesn't cool the chest! Why create incorrect phrases, make them commonly used, and confuse English learners?
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