We also say "Perifereia Attikis" for the municipality (?) of Attica. I don't find it fancy, just not often used.

It depends on the context, you wouldn't say "στην περιφέρεια της ψησταριάς", that sounds pretty fancy.

It does. To be honest, I don't know how I'd phrase "on the edge of the barbecue". "Στην απέξω μεριά"?

We also use "περιφέρεια" for the circumference of a circle so I could say "στην περιφέρεια της ψησταριάς" to make a nerdy joke... but that supports your point.

> We also use "περιφέρεια" for the circumference of a circle

Blasphemy! (In English, at least, circles have a "circumference" while every other shape has a "perimeter". Ovals seem to use either word.)

I never actually thought about combining "perimeter" with "circumference" to get "periphery".

We don't really use "periphery" for the circumference in Greek, we use "perimeter". Periphery refers to something outside the object you're describing, whereas perimeter is right at the edge of the object, but usually belonging to it.

... and I've forgotten how to speak Greek :(

I've lived in the UK for the last 15 years. I even think in English, these days.

I've lived in Greece for the last 40 years and even I think in English (when I think in language).

For me it's to do with work. I think of work all the time and I find it difficult to think of it in Greek. So I end up thinking about work, in English, all the time.

The problem is that I keep forgetting Greek words and I find myself using English expressions even when I speak in Greek, even when I'm not speaking about work. And then I start saying things I'd never say in either language. I'm particularly shocked when I make blunders like "περιφέρεια του κύκλου". I just hope it's too early for early Alzheimer's.

Oh don't worry, this happens to me all the time too. It seems to be normal.

"Στην άκρη" I'd say.

Ah, right. Dammit. I'm starting to forget my Greek...

I'm Lithuanian and the main use case for "periphery" is to describe everything else outside the major cities:) E.g. : they live in periphery, aka in a small village.