Exclusivity

I keep thinking about taking my truck to the Exclusive Detailing and Auto Care place that I drive by every day on my way to work.
But I don’t want to feel excluded.

Read Full Post »

Pled vs. Pleaded

This is one I used to struggle with regularly in my day-to-day work, until I got used to it.
Someone pled guilty or pleaded guilty?
The rule for us in journalism is pleaded. The lawyers like pled.
I imagine this goes back to the good ole English court terminology somewhere in history.
In any case … I like pled.  [...]

Read Full Post »

It is though, although it might not be, in spite of the facts, even though there are many.

The English language often confuses me, even though I’ve spoken it (or at least tried to) as my first language since I could first put a subject and a verb together.
There are often so many ways to portray the same meaning:

Although he had light skin he didn’t get sun burn easily.
He didn’t get sun burnt [...]

Read Full Post »

Exception to the Rule?

Never use a long word when a short one will do. We all know that one, right?
But here’s one word, a short one, you should consider replacing with a long one: Ken
Here’s the definition taken from answers.com:
n.

Perception; understanding: complex issues well beyond our ken.

Complex issues beyond our Ken?  Yeah, and I bet Barbie doesn’t [...]

Read Full Post »

Depending On When And Where You Look At It

I think I’ve found a solution to the “further/farther” problem.
If you didn’t already know, this one is a common mix-up.
“Further” is meant to determine distance in time.
“Farther” determines distance in space.
However, if you make a mistake, all you have to do is point out that both time and space are interconnected and that you meant [...]

Read Full Post »

LOL? Really?

In internet communication I think we find ourselves making statements that aren’t really true, but that help us get the point across anyway.
I just have to wonder:
If you type “LOL,” are you really laughing out loud?
If you say, “Coffee sprayed all over the screen on that one,” or “Pepsi came through the nose when I [...]

Read Full Post »

It Just Doesn’t Sound (Write?)

When we talk about writing letters, us Brits have a certain…overly long way about asking people to send us mail:
“Send a letter to me.”
“Write me a letter.”
Whereas some other nations are somewhat more economic with words:
“Write me.”
Call me old fashioned but I like the long-winded approach:
“Go forth and reproduce” is sometimes a better way of [...]

Read Full Post »

IUVDBHLDR

Watching the first "Austin Powers" movie taught me a fantastic term for when we strain too much on the crapper.
So, Austin Powers is in a bathroom stall next to Tom Arnold (does he really play anybody other than himself? Is he still even alive?).
An assassin sent by a nefarious evil-doer known only as "No. 2" [...]

Read Full Post »

Le Cheese Royale – Economy in Words

The people of North America (possibly South America and Canada as well, I’m not sure) have it figured out. They use what I’d call imperial measurements: good old pounds and ounces.
Here in Britain, it’s a different matter. There’s some confusion as to what we use.
Here’s a packet of out of date bacon I [...]

Read Full Post »

Officialize It

In today’s modern world, there is a tendency to feel as if the most sensible and basic words don’t measure up.
Everything must be … “officialized.”
Utilize.
Prioritize.
Desensitize.
If you read the classics, how many of these officalized words do you ever come across?
This is used (not utilized) by those who work in cubicles who are afraid that if [...]

Read Full Post »