There was literally a European Council meeting in the mid-90s simply to thrash out the question of the name. Because there were other more imaginative proposals: florin, shilling, and of course ecu. But they went with euro, the lowest possible common denominator which offended nobody. I remember thinking what a terrible missed opportunity that was. I still think that.
Could always just have defaulted to whatever the word for “money” is on that language, all at once. Go nuts. I mean, once calling it “Euro” is on the table there are no bad ideas anymore.
There was literally a European Council meeting in the mid-90s simply to thrash out the question of the name. Because there were other more imaginative proposals: florin, shilling, and of course ecu. But they went with euro, the lowest possible common denominator which offended nobody. I remember thinking what a terrible missed opportunity that was. I still think that.
I appreciate the sheer gumption. They should have doubled down and just called it “money”. Plural “moneys”. How much is it? Seven moneys.
Actually, now that I think about it I know at least two countries that arguably already do that, so… you know what? Euro is dumber. Love it.
But that, explicitly with ‘money’ is english cultural imperialism. Would never be accepted in france etc.
Could always just have defaulted to whatever the word for “money” is on that language, all at once. Go nuts. I mean, once calling it “Euro” is on the table there are no bad ideas anymore.