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  • A cousin of the original eau-de-cologne, which term has since become generic. The name is derived from the street number of the house of the original manufacturer.

    In Irish English it's read as "four-seven-eleven"; according to Wikipedia, it's pronounced "fortyseven-eleven" or "Siebenundvierzigelf". Wikipedia also tells us that:

    The German Navy during World War II issued vast amounts of 4711 perfume to the submariners of the U-Boat fleet. As there were limited facilities and few opportunities for bathing, the perfume would be used in an attempt to improve the odour aboard the vessel. Crews typically didn't use much of the perfume and would take home bottles as presents for mothers, wives, or girlfriends.

    January 27, 2009

  • In Australia the marketing was also as "four-seven-eleven". I haven't seen or heard a 4711 ad in quite a monstrous while.

    January 27, 2009

  • Oh, I used to love that stuff. Looks as though it's still available, at least in the States.

    January 27, 2009

  • Wow! I used to wear 4711 all the time! I first found it in Germany, then in Ireland. I haven't seen it in the States...and haven't had any for eons!

    January 28, 2009

  • Oh, it's in the States for sure. That's where I've always gotten it.

    January 28, 2009

  • Prithee, r, share!

    January 28, 2009

  • I think if you click on the link in reesetee's previous comment, it brings up a site that sells it.

    January 28, 2009

  • *Confused fox still doesn't know whether certain Wordizens are male or female*

    January 28, 2009

  • The ambiguity is intentional, sionnach. I actually have a theory about reesetee: it's just a fictional character from a screenplay by chained_bear.

    Or vice versa.

    January 28, 2009

  • *shows confused fox a couple of anatomically correct dolls*

    Oh, all right—I'll come right out and say it. Sionnach, I'm female!

    January 28, 2009

  • There's also a facebook fan page.

    January 28, 2009

  • Users upgrading to WordiePRO receive a free sampler of 4711 Wor die Cologne.

    January 28, 2009

  • I like the story so much that I'm considering becoming a fan of the perfume. I have a vague memory of seeing the brand when I was very small, but don't remember anything else.

    January 28, 2009

  • Upgrading to WordiePRO also makes the site scratch and sniff. You can select your preferred scent: musty bookshop, printer's ink, or artificial strawberry.

    January 28, 2009

  • Oooh!! *weejies*

    January 28, 2009

  • The fan site is cool - except they got the pronunciation wrong... it's "four seven eleven".

    I was hoping I could get it locally, but given the icy conditions outsite, the web might be a better bet!

    January 28, 2009

  • I think the pronunciation differs according to location--according to sionnach's original post (below).

    January 28, 2009

  • C'mon dontcry, isn't it supposed to be ice cologne?

    January 28, 2009

  • Sionnach, 4711 is supposed to confuse you. That is, it's meant to be used by both men and women. That said, I could very well be a fictional character from a screenplay by chained_bear. You just never know.

    January 28, 2009

  • I still have the empty bottle my grandfather brought back from Europe that he got during WWII. It is a unique scent.

    January 30, 2009

  • I can't remember its scent! Wah! I just remember the bottle. (Label. Whatever.)

    January 30, 2009

  • Well, we'll just have to buy some for you so you can sprinkle a bit on your fur.

    January 30, 2009

  • Are you suggesting that bears smell bad?! Oh well, you wouldn't be the first.

    It is not true that all bears smell powerfully of wee, by the way. Just wanted to, uh... throw that out there. *dabs Chanel No. 5*

    January 30, 2009

  • I was merely suggesting that you might like to revive your memories of this lovely scent.

    Geez. Bears sure are touchy.

    January 30, 2009

  • *Mmmmmmmmmm,Chanel No. 5!*

    January 30, 2009

  • Is Chanel subtly admitting that the first 4 were crap? You know, Chanel no.1 was bought by men in dark glasses for their chemical weapons program, no. 2 was better but could still neuter a dog at 50 paces, etc.

    January 30, 2009

  • Maybe... If so, they got it right faster than the Formula 409 folks!

    January 30, 2009

  • reesetee, it's a fairly common stereotype that bears smell of wee. You can't blame me for expecting some racia--I mean, species-centric taunting. :)

    January 30, 2009

  • Well, c_b, if you knew me at all, you'd realize I'm just not that type of a fictional character from a screenplay by chained_bear.

    Er...I mean....

    *runs away*

    January 31, 2009

  • Where kin oi git some more o this dog-neutering substance.

    Singed

    "neuticles"

    January 31, 2009

  • I'd swear there's a scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's where Audrey Hepburn pulls a bottle of 4711 out of the mailbox in the entryway of her apartment building.

    December 1, 2010