"quick and dirty"

Whenever we wanted to know the rough frequencies of various terms for our psych experiments in my lab last year, we'd go for a "quick and dirty" google search. Then we'd at least know if we were likely to be on the right track (I used this to find out the relative frequency of "orca whale" versus "killer whale," for instance, to see if we needed to check more closely on whether 4-yr-olds would know the term "killer whale" in modern hyper-correct times. Wouldn't want to offend the orca whales [or PETA nuts*, I suppose] reading Language and Cognition, after all).

Well, Katherine's commented question intrigued my procrastinatory interest, so here are the quick and dirty google results:
"wedding gown" - 3,790,000 hits
"wedding dress" - 10,500,000 hits

So while it seems that "gown" isn't exactly rare, it's only used between 1/3 and 1/4 of the time overall. Also, it seems that the distinction tends to fall somewhat on price/prestige lines. Maybe that's why I find it toolish?

Side note on language and cognition - it's fascinating that someone who never really expressed much of an interest in weddings or wedding-related anything would have subconciously noticed and stored this distinction. It's possible that it's an analogy from the general "dress" versus "gown" distinction, but under those terms, almost no traditional wedding attire would qualify as a "dress." Anyways, the linguist in me thinks it's pretty cool. :o)

*The author of this blog does not condone cruelty to animals. However, any organization that would petition Ben & Jerry's to starting making ice cream using breast milk is composed of crazy people. I rest my case.