Language Getting Shorter

More shortened words for the teachers and word lovers out there...

a) Fanatic - fan
b) Eiderdown - down
c) Alleyway - alley
d) Influenza - flu
e) Writing desk - desk
f) Latchkey - key
g) Maid servant - maid
h) In point of fact - in fact
i) Jailhouse/Prison house - jail/prison
j) capable - able
k) brassiere - bra
l) gymnasium - gym

Reading Dickens or Hardy, Austen or Shakespeare reminds a person of many early forms we've nearly lost.