Trivia of the day for February 11

Pseudocide is a neologism (or Americanism) for faking one’s own death. It is usually carried out in order to commit fraud (falsely claiming against life insurance policies), avoid debt or legal trouble, or escape marital difficulties. The British expression “doing a Reggie Perrin” refers to pseudocide, after a popular 1970s British comedy series called The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. The lead character, played by Leonard Rossiter, fakes his own death by drowning, leaving his clothes and personal effects on a bench. However, Reggie soon misses his wife and returns home under the assumed identity of a Martin Wellbourne. His wife is pleased to have him back in any form and plays along with his pretence to be another person.

Source: Pauls Quiz