[Rant mode on]

Why does everyone call U.S. toll-free numbers "1-800?" Specifically, what's the "1" doing there? It is, depending on your point of view, either the access code to the long-distance network, indicating that what follows is an area code rather than a local number, or the "country" code for North America. It is not part of a toll-free phone number any more than it's part of a regular phone number. So, why do people who would give their own number as "212-555-1234," never as "1-212-555-1234," always find it necessary to stick in this unnecessary "1" when it's toll-free? Answers, anyone?

[rant mode off]