Comment Re:Most people don't travel or do business so glob (Score 1) 990
...but if you want to buy a single drink, it's easier to say "a pint" or even "a 12-ounce cup" rather than "400 milliliters."
What's wrong with saying 4 deciliters?
Because people, as a whole, gravitate to simplicity. They want "a cup", "A pint" or some other simple group label when they do something repeatedly (like order a beer).. and if the simple thing doesn't exist, one will, inevitably evolve. and thus, the reference to "Folk" volumes appearing alongside the rigid measurements.