Sir, – Many years ago when I was a lad, a hike was a pleasant walk in the countryside usually involving some degree of elevation. Nowadays it seems to refer to an elevation in interest rates, or prices, as opposed to gaining height by clambering up the side of Lugnaquilla or Carrauntoohil. It appears to be mainly used in reference to something deemed to be undesirable rather than an enjoyable day’s excursion on foot. – Yours, etc,
JOHN FAGAN,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.