One of the first French words we learn in school is ‘bic’, for ballpoint pen. (Remember? Qu’est ce qu’il y a dans ta trousse?)

In fact, the pen was not invented by Monsieur Bic, as many believe, but by Monsieur Bich!

Based upon an already existing ballpoint pen manufactured in Argentina by László Bírópen, Marcel Bich presented it to the American public – but took good advice and dropped the h off his name before marketing it! Can’t imagine why!