Question
On April 15th I sent an item to Spain. On May 26th, the high bidder emailed me saying that they hadn't received it. I emailed him to check with his local post office and customs. Well, what do you know, today I received the item back in the mail. But since I don't know Spanish and the PO clerks didn"t either, I don't know why it was sent back. I am assuming he didn't go to the post office to get it.
anyhow, it says "desconodico"
Answer
"Unknown"
But it probably says, "desconocido." (just a little typo)
Answer
OK--that's really weird, actually (or maybe not?). I received a package back which was also sent in April. It was sent to Norway and the box was marked "Inconnu." I received it back today.
A quick trip to Bablefish indicated that Inconnu means Unknown.
???
Answer
I believe both words are from the Indo-European root 'gno.'
Answer
Yes, indeed. The words do have a common ancestor (languages are fascinating!).
But the thing I thought was strange was that someone else received an "unknown" return from overseas. In all the years I've been selling, I've always received bounced boxes with information as to why it was returend (no longer at this address, etc.). This is the first time I've gotten a mystery package...?
Is something going on with international mail delivery lately?
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I took it to mean that the addressee was unknown to the carrier; that the address did not exist, or the person did not reside at that address.
I agree about languages...
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You think so? Hmm... That's probably the reason, huh? On closer inspection, it appears as though someone has used thin ballpoint pin and has sorta crossed out part of the address. I guess I assumed they would have marked incorrect address or incomplete address--but that is a silly assumption considering that not all postal workers all over the world are logical.
Still waiting for a response from the customer. LOL.
Thanks, PG.
Answer
I hope I wasn't overstating the obvious, thentavius. I was not intending to be a smartass about it. Really.