Why Not Just Say 'Cloudy and Damp'?

Brits have a peculiar way of speaking. Take, for instance, this story about this weekend's bank holiday travel. I wonder if IKEA paid for this little bit from the Royal Automobile Club?

"It is more likely to be an Ikea weekend rather than a bucket and spade weekend," said a spokesman for the RAC. "We predict queues at many of the large shopping centres."

They probably outbid 'bucket and spade' significantly for the placement. Deep pockets and all. People love Scandinavian furniture.