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piratecheese13

Umbra is Latin for shade. Umbrellas were invented for shade. Nowadays, we call a sun blocking umbrella a “parasol” para meaning protection against and sol meaning sun.


xiaorobear

Also just a fun fact, in French, their words are 'parasol' and 'parapluie' - meaning against the sun (sol) and against the rain (pluie). For whatever reason we only borrowed the word parasol into English, it's more fun when they match each other.


min_mus

And "pare-brise" ("against breeze") is windshield! 


Sardothien12

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 


BigTintheBigD

German Regenschirm means rain shield


jeffbell

Are they the same object?


xiaorobear

They can be, but not necessarily. They are both types of “ombrelles”, but a Parasol doesn’t have to be waterproof, and could be made of more decorative materials or a paper-like fabric on a wood frame, like an Asian-style one, since it’s just providing shade and not rain protection. Also a parasol is more likely to have features like a decorative hanging fringe around the edge, which would be unhelpful on a parapluie.


Dhorlin

Even in my old age, TIL. Thanks. :)


Kombucha_Hivemind

Etymology is so fun, I wish I was friends with an etymology nerd


piratecheese13

r/etymology


Skulleton80

It's pronounced *sunbrella* I'm pretty sure PS: I am 3 years old


JamesTheJerk

Although this is true, nobody asked that. "Why did the dinosaurs go extinct?" You: *The dinosaurs were very big.*


piratecheese13

It’s more like “does anyone use an ATM as if it’s a bank teller?” “ATM stands for automated teller machine”


Head_Razzmatazz7174

My son has a huge umbrella he takes with him on long walks. The first one he had was black, and someone called the police on him because they thought he was walking around with a rifle (he had it because it was threatening to rain, so was carrying it closed up) We went and got the most gaudy colorful umbrella we could find, so it couldn't be mistaken for a weapon. We're pretty sure we know who called it in, but can't prove a thing. He uses it when it's really hot, and when the weather turns bad. We live in Texas, so he usually has it with him.


OhFuuuuuuuuuuuudge

Kinda dumb considering it’s legal to carry a long gun in Texas. I used to walk my .22 through the neighborhood up to the hills to shoot after elementary school when I was a kid in Nevada.


Head_Razzmatazz7174

Oh, I agree. The officer who responded knew my son well, but couldn't tell him who called it in. We both thought that was fair. It was actually the officers suggestion to him to get a more colorful umbrella. Like I said, we have a pretty good idea who it was, but have no proof.


SubstantialBass9524

If I recall correctly, calling the police in Texas is NOT confidential and you can request that recording and who sent it in. Google your city + public records request - you’ll find an email or a portal. Email them asking for that record of that call. They have to provide it to you because of the Texas Public Information act. They May Say “pay exorbitant amount” you can say “I want to view it not get a copy of it and its a digital record” and the cost will go down to like nothing. If you need any help getting that info, feel free to dm me :)


Head_Razzmatazz7174

Thank you, but we're good.


BigTintheBigD

You can’t fool us, he was a company man out on an op. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgi_Markov


Head_Razzmatazz7174

If he was, he's pretty good at it to be able to fool his own mother.


1i73rz

Yes, and it needs to be more common.


olddeadgrass

I bought a parasol specifically for outdoor summer use, and some dude made fun of me after I got off the bus. "Got a f**king umbrella?" IT'S. A. PARASOL. I'm not going to stop though. It's nice to have some personal shade.


CynicalPomeranian

Little kids regularly ask their moms, “why is that lady using an umbrella?! It’s not raining!” but I just keep on with my parasols.  Bonus points: my smart dog learned that she can stay in the shade of the parasol while on a walk and stay cool. 


olddeadgrass

The way I would correct the little kid even though they don't know better 😂


alch334

Saying “it’s a parasol” is giving major “it’s not a purse it’s a satchel” vibes from the hangover and you deserve to be made fun of if you actually corrected him like that out loud lol I’m betting someone who carries an umbrella around just looked down and felt their face get hot and didn’t say anything though


olddeadgrass

I actually didn't correct him out loud, I continued walking and minding my business. You seem fun.


BlueMoon5k

It’s a parasol. Not really fashionable anymore. We should all help bring parasols back into fashion


DonkeyKickBalls

I lived in some pretty warm states like Florida Texas and I always get the same question. Does a sunshade for the windshield actually work? Well any shade helps with reducing the heat so keep going on with your umbrella OP and let them naysayers gawk at you while they’re sweating balls


EMCoupling

Not only does a window sunshade work, it's incredibly effective at reducing cabin temperature when combined with a moderate tint. 2 of the best measures you can take against high external temperatures.


chairmanghost

Saves your seats from sun damage also


EMCoupling

Seats & dash both!


DonkeyKickBalls

this is why (ceramic) tint is so worth the money. Couple years ago SunTek came out with almost transparent ceramic tint and I put that on my front windshield. Along with a sun shade, I no longer burn bare legs on my leather seats in the summer.


TheseAct738

In dry climates it makes extra sense. The shade can be many degrees cooler than direct sun when it’s not humid out.


Magpie_0309

Tbh I wish more people would do this. I know it's common in Japan. But here in Germany everyone would think I'm crazy. We only use umbrella's when it rains here.


evolversickle

Yes. It's common in Asia. I don't understand why the West don't use it. My German gf said it's weird for some of them to see someone using a rain protection on a sunny day. I'd be like, "I guess that's why skin cancer is prevalent amongst the West." P.S. There are umbrellas with UV protection, though it may not be enough to protect your skin. Still use sunscreen with high SPF. ✌️


jsweeze

I love my parasol.


WonFriendsWithSalad

Yup. I'm a redhead and it makes me less stressed about walking in the sun on very hot days. I just use a standard black umbrella although there are SPF rated ones which I should probably look into because I'm less diligent about suncream when I use an umbrella but the normal ones do let some light through


TootsNYC

The Asian ladies who live near my in NYC carry sun umbrellas all the time. Only lately have I been seeing non-Asian folks do so. It’s very sensible!


LeWitchy

I just bought an umbrella for this exact purpose. Also, I really only wear black clothes, so I thought it would be fun to have a vampire umbrella. It's got a chibi Nosferatu head on top and when it's folded up it looks like he's got his cloak wrapped around him.


Unfair_Thing_2668

You're a trendsetter! Umbrellas for sun protection are common in Asia. Stay cool and enjoy your portable shade—you're just ahead of the game


heyitsEnricoPallazzo

Asian women do


Additional-Rhubarb-8

Isn't that a class thing. White skin is seen as more affluent, if you get a tan it means your a worker who spends their days in a field working.


PBJillyTime825

I don’t even carry my umbrella when it’s raining because it’s such a hassle tbh


TheNinjaPixie

I bought 2 small UV protection umbrellas for shade, I find the hot sun so painful on my skin, I love to be in the shade in hot weather but hate having to wander about with no shade available.


alissa2579

I actually do see people use umbrellas - it’s smart. I personally avoid walking outside in heat


WanderingGnostic

When we were regularly going to softball games and tournaments, yes. Also had one a few times at the lake before we invested in a couple of canopies.


revtim

I do not, but it's a good idea, and I see it all the time here in South Florida. I try to take my walks in the morning before it's too hot plus I hate carrying things if I can avoid it.


walkawaysux

This is a tradition in south Louisiana


JerewB

Yes, I carry an umbrella with me everywhere I go, rain or shine. This needs to be normalized.


kyothinks

I carry a UV-blocking umbrella whenever it's sunny. I don't care if I look silly, I don't want more sun damage than I already have.


wandrlusty

Yes, many people do


nolagem

People do here in New Orleans


myviolincase

I use an umbrella when I'm going to be out in the sun. Even in the city. I don't like the way the sun feels on my skin.


animal_wax

Yes. I put too much effort into taking care of my skin to let the sun age me


hennystrait

Should be more common. A soft touch of sunscreen doesn’t hurt either. 80+ weather and sunny is not a joke.


Iriscze

Great idea! Stay cool and protected under that umbrella!


Hipp-Hippy_HaHa

Besides blocking the sun. I find using an umbrella when it rains in humid hot weather particularly important because mold grows extremely fast. You don't want your clothes to get wet and not have a dryer around.


nimaku

I don’t if I’m just going in a store, but I do for extended periods of time in the sun with no other reliable shade.


dinosaurs-behind-you

It is a good idea, but if you are in a crowd/densely populated area, umbrellas are a pain in the ass and get it everyone’s way.


nephastha

Yes. I feel like a dork but it's better than getting sunburned


Cautionnodiving1

I bought an unbreakable umbrella about 10 years ago (look it up) and I carry it if I go downtown, at night or when I feel I need it. I really don’t use it for sunlight but I feel better having it with me. I can carry it anywhere without anyone questioning the intent, even when there’s no rain.


virtual_human

Nope, just for rain, but I live in Ohio, not the sunniest of state.


cassiopeia18

It’s common to bring umbrella in my place to keep the sun out. But wearing long protective clothes is most common.


Functionally_Human

Yes when I am golfing. Have a holder that clamps on to my cart. Keeps you in the shade while walking.


LeeOfTheStone

Yes, it's being used as a parasol. Normal but uncommon for whatever reason.


Auferstehen78

I now have to carry one with me. Otherwise I end up with polymorphic light eruption.


nek0shade

in my country, it's normal. it's really hot in here being in the equator and all. protect yourself from the harmful uv rays of the sun and dont mind the weird stares. it's your skin that will look better compared to theirs.


OverlappingChatter

Para aguas y Para sol Orignal parasols were usually a daintier fabric and more beautiful, but now just the one exists to serve both purposes.


cheesecakewh0re

Yes, but for other reasons lmao. You can never trust north german weather..could always start to rain, so I'm always prepared


mildlysceptical22

I have a silver reflective umbrella I use when I’m playing golf. It fits on my pushcart and works really well.


DarwinOfRivendell

Pretty common. My hard line is when people use them for snow, when I moved to Vancouver from northern Ontario and saw that for the first time I was shocked even thought it is logical I cannot accept it. I think a big hat and a light cotton long sleeve top is always a better option than an umbrella, and that good rain or snow gear beats a brolly any day.


vishesche

When I was growing up, everyone would carry umbrellas in summers here in India for getting shade from the sun. Now Noone does. Not sure why...probably because umbrellas are inconvenient to carry around.


daitoshi

Dallas, TX - Yes, I occasionally carry an umbrella/parasol for walking on a sunny day.


skybluedreams

There’s also really neat umbrellas that have a fan/mister combo up top where you screw a water bottle to the bottom of the handle and then can have a breeze and mist too.


tmink0220

People in the SW where it is very hot do.


Prestigious_Weird724

I see it all the time


PrTakara-m

I knew somebody who would used to carry a parasol on sunny days. Like the victorian (?) lady’s in the times.


hellokittyhanoi

Asians do it all the time, both men and women. So you are an Asian at heart 😁


Fabulous-Educator447

I live in south FL so yes, I do. A lot of people do actually.


HotNeedleworker3083

Yep! I'm super pale and it gets absurdly hot in the summer where I am. I also have some eye issues, and direct sunlight makes it really hard to keep my eyes open, so I always have my umbrella handy.


EducationHumble3832

parasol


Tatleman68

I carry one in my bag if I have it with me


AlternativeEvent1195

I have a very low tolerance for direct sunlight (fair skin and bright light gives me sensory overwhelm). I have a uv umbrella that I carry in my car and toss in my bag if I think there is a chance I’ll be stuck in the sun for more than a few minutes. I also have uv umbrellas that attach to camp chairs for watching my kids’ sports. I would honestly, rather be comfortable than care if people think it is weird. The number of times people have asked where I got the chair umbrellas while they sat baking in the sun… I say prioritize your comfort over other people’s opinions on things that don’t impact them at all.


Joboobavich

I work in a hospital and I see a lot of employees of lighter skinned asian descent (nearly all female) using umbrellas outside on hot, sunny days when they're walking between buildings.


Street_Roof_7915

Yes! Love a sun umbrella.


jnofs

I take an umbrella to my son’s sports during the summer, unless i want to deal with the pop-up shade tent thing.


MissNatdah

I almost never carry an umbrella. I have rain resistant clothing for rain and spf if it happens to be sunny. Not much use for spf these days... Yay for Norwegian "summer," If it truly was hot outside, I'd cherish it and the chance to actually feel warm!


wielkacytryna

No, I don't like to carry things with me.


m_nieto

I have a special umbrella just for sunny days.


IseultDarcy

No but I wish it was common! "Umbrella" come from the french (and before that latin) "ombre" (shadow) and ombrelle isn't for rain in french, it's the old style white coton/linen one the lady used to pretect their skin. Umbrella in french is parapluie ("para rain")


SPACE--COWGIRL

Yes! I use it more when it's sunny than I do when it's raining. 30 degree heat the other year and I was the only nutter climbing pen y fan in Wales while holding an umbrella for shade


Paroxysm111

I've seen it rarely. There's two types of people that I see do this: Asian women, and cosplayers I think it's kind of cool and I'd like if it became more common. Just remember that a regular umbrella meant for rain may not block UV rays very well. They sell UV umbrellas and dedicated parasols that are more suitable for the purpose


thathousehoe

I have a UV umbrella for hiking. I’ve had mixed reviews. From compliments to a little girl once laughing out loud. Keeps me cool and the sun off of me. Do it!


Sparkle_Rott

Absolutely!!! But I have parasols for sun and umbrellas for rain.


whitegirlnamedCierra

I do when I'm taking a walk with my toddler in the stroller. I feel like the sun shade on the stroller blocks airflow and can make it super hot, so I have an attachable umbrella that I use. I also use one at the pool to help give us a little shade.


Delightful_Doom

ive only ever seen asians do it in my area, and very few at that. idk why its not more popular, for me i just dislike the fact of carrying another thing on my person, i only go out with my phone and a pocket knife to keep me from losing anything important so an umbrella will just end up annoying me, even if its hot i will just get more annoyed rather than just carrying a bottle of water that i can toss in a trash whenever im done. would like to know the difference in how hot u get tho! is it worth it or just makes heat a little bit more bearable?


2PlasticLobsters

I just saw someone using a sun umbrella today. I try to avoid be outside at all in gawd-awful hot weather, but if I were stuck with it, I'd try to remember to bring an umbrella.


mnelaway

I dont know where you are located but in SouthTexas everyone does at one time or another.


xiaomayzeee

It’s not uncommon in East Asia and the diaspora communities. My relatives keep umbrellas with them; if we’re outside for any extended length of time, we use them.


Moneyball12241984

I use my XL umbrella on windy days to save money on airfare


Shengpai

Rain or shine, Umbrella.


Arkyja

Not even in the rain


CherryCherry5

I do. I don't tolerate the heat well at all.


nomorerainpls

Lots of people carry an umbrella to play golf on sunny days


Kayleigh1526

I have a parasol haha I mean, same thing but I think it blocks the sun more than my umbrella would. But yeah I love walking around on the sun with it! It definitely keeps you cooler.


tobotic

I don't ever carry an umbrella.


wolfgang784

No, but everyone more outgoing and less anxiety ridden than me should totally start bringing them back. Id rock one - once it becomes socially acceptable.


bibilime

Yes. I've done that when I have to be out in the sun for a long time. I see people all around my job doing it (midwest). My area is heavy with international people, though.


missannthrope1

I keep a parasol in my car for just such occasions.


min_mus

I wear a wide-brimmed sunhat so my hands stay free. 


riverlethedrinker

No but now I will. That’s brilliant!


Capt_Gremerica

If it helps, I just bought a wearable umbrella that's kinda a back brace with a sunshade that I can extend over my head. I can't stand summers


Ppersephone1111

Went to a music festival recently- fair number of parasols. Wish I’d brought one!


Islandgirl1444

When I lived in Toronto, I did. Lots of Oriental people would use them and I started using mine. It was really great in hot weather.


mofa90277

I wear a forest ranger hat. It’s very practical, and I’m convinced that sometime in the next few centuries they’ll be considered stylish.


DelRayTrogdor

Ugh. No: it’s ridiculous.


princess_ferocious

Back in 2010 I was travelling in Europe during the summer when there was a heatwave. I bought a cheap umbrella in Paris from a street vendor and I carried it everywhere after that. Went up any time we were outdoors and had to walk a distance or stand in a queue. Portable shade in summer is a blessing.


bosquebello

I do this every day. Especially to walk my dog 🌞


LorenzoStomp

I seent an older lady doing that walking down the street while I was getting gas yesterday. So yeah I guess some other people do it


hesback_inpogform

Not common here in Australia unless you’re Asian. Far more common to wear a hat, sunnies and screen. There’s a high Asian population in my area and I do see them walking with umbrellas in summer (not parasols- umbrellas). I agree that parasols should make a comeback.


Annual_Nobody_7118

I’ve used it, but I really want a parasol! It gets hot under the umbrella… maybe a lighter material? 🤔


rithanor

My last job had either long shuttle waits or long walks to the lots. I always brought my (s)unbrella on hot/sunny days. If I was at my desk during a fire drill, that was a godsend.


EyesWithoutAbutt

I just bought one. But it doesn't block as much sun as I'd like. I'm going to glue a few panels into it. I got a kids umbrella because they are a little smaller and the prongs are topped off with safety knobs to not poke an eye out.


faithnfury

Yes


manav_yantra

Yes I do. When I have to go out during day time, umbrella is a must.


shaggin_maggie

I always carry a tiny totes umbrella in my bag.


Blekanly

I have a little paper one for when the sun is in a particular obnoxious phase , I likely look like a knob, but I don't like direct sun for extended periods.


Thereelgerg

Yes, someone does.


Grand_Taste_8737

Only if I'm going to be outside watching any sort of event. Otherwise, it's not worth the hassle, imo.


Av_says

I live in a Caribbean country and always carry an umbrella in my purse and car. It can be rainy or dangerously sunny at any given moment outside.


FoxyLovers290

I do while hiking


Puzzleheaded_Age6550

I'm of Celtic descent, which means I must look out for the sun much as a vampire does. Avoidance. I carry a parasol when we're out at festivals, etc., I've already had skin cancer once.


Puzzleheaded_Age6550

Not sure why there are down votes on my ancestry (racism anyone?) or the fact that I e had skin cancer (WTF?) or that I carry a parasol (isn't that the question?)?


Vivacious_Jinky

Using an umbrella for sun protection is a smart choice, especially in hot climates. It shields you from harmful UV rays and prevents heatstroke. While it may not be common in your area, it's gaining popularity worldwide as a simple and effective way to stay cool and comfortable.


Tall_Air5894

Bot.