Maxvorstadt: Ah, thanks for the answer. Interesting. But now I have a bit Angst that the Brits take over our beautiful language, but I guess this is the Zeitgeist nowadays.
But I guess it`s just fair. We have taken over many english words, so it`s time that you take over some german words. It`s just a fair trade. :-)
adaliabooks: I wouldn't worry, we stole half our language from you guys ;)
But spiel is used reasonably often, mostly in the context of 'marketing spiel' or similar.
Its a really interesting subject language, and actually in keeping with the OT. Language is just a method for transmitting information between people and it also morphs, joins and splits over time. All languages are intertwined by various historical events. Just look at how people talk online now, you can get a lot of understanding in something like LOL.
Anyways, can't go on too long now, should work.