Yep, it’s time for another one. I’ve been amassing them — the little annoying errors that make me squirm.
As I’ve said before in my other Schmenglish posts, I am not nearly the grammar N**i I used to be. For good or ill, I’ve mellowed with age, like the fine, stinky cheese that I am.
Still, I believe that our character, at least in part, is defined by how we communicate using the spoken and written word. And few would argue that Americans have a big fat problem in that area, especially with regard to usage, pronunciation and spelling. Therefore, for the common good, truth, justice, and the American way, I offer the following additional caveats. Of course, the happy words are in green, and the crappy in red.
- Majorly is slang. [Not that slang is wrong, mind; I use it a lot, and I think it’s great. It just has its place.] The citizens of Paris were majorly angry with the aristocracy in 1789. Don’t put that in a music history research paper. Ask me how I know this has been done.
- Here’s one of my favorites. Being raised Baptist, I was taught to abhor any reference to the term “Xmas,” because it was “taking Christ out of Christmas.” I heard stories that went so far as to suggest it was the Romans who replaced the word “Christ” with an X. (This brings up so many bizarre linguistic incongruities, I won’t address them here, or #2 will go on all day.) Truth is, friends: relax. The “X” in “Xmas” is actually the Greek letter chi, used regularly to indicate the name of Christ — not extricate it. All is well.
- There is no “D“ in congratulations. Simply saying “congrats” to yourself will solve the problem.
- Speaking of stinky…my friend and colleague at school has a vile habit of bringing little mini-cabbages to eat for lunch. When she heats them in the microwave, the entire teacher lounge smells like sixteen cats crawled into the drop ceiling three weeks ago and died. I am not exaggerating. It is the most hideous, rotten stench I have ever had the misfortune to endure. What are the little stinkbombs she actually puts into her mouth? Brussels sprouts. Not Brussel, but rather, the city in Belgium for which they’re named. In my opinion, these agents of olfactory death should have never made the trans-Atlantic trip in the first place.
- If your name is Jill, wouldn’t it annoy you to be called “Jell?” Or if you’re a Bill, “Bell” instead? I thought so. Therefore, intelligent people, stop saying melk and pellow. It’s civically irresponsible, and if I hear you do it again, I will have to kell you.
- You can be a great person who is grateful. Any other spelling of this word grates on me.
- A koala is a marsupial — not a bear.
Had enough for one day? I thought so. Good thing too, because I’m out of time. Gotta git.
Fink out(ta here).
I’m soooo sorry, Fink! Yesterday I told you Dolly was wArn out. Forgive me, almighty one…
…four i have sinned, n fallin short of you’re expectashins fer meh…
I be happy dis website ain’t broked. I also hate syrup pronounced as if it rhymes with stirrup. Anything twang or hick…. BLAWHEG!!!
So how DO you pronounce syrup???
Stein and I actually had this discussion at school yesterday, Suz. He pronounces it “seer-up,” and I pronounce it like he hates: “sir-rup.”
Both ways are fine, in my humble opinny. I mean, how do you pronounce “zephyr?” The “yr” is pronounced “er,” so there’s a precedent. And there is also a case for Stein’s viewpoint: “Pyrenees.”
Go figure!
Now see I consider pronouncing “seer-up” as being hick! No offense, Stein.
That’s uh-fence not oh-fence.
Haaa
Suz, you haven’t changed a bit!
Just yesterday I discovered that there’s a difference between blond and blonde. The word “blond” refers to the colour of hair, wood, etc., while “blonde” refers only to a female with blond hair. A man with blond hair is still just a blond.
However, some have dropped the e in all usages because it’s considered sexist.
And then there’s Hitler’s dog, Blondi.
Wow. What dubbing do us grey-haired folk recieve?
Samuel — you are W.E.I.R.D. (That’s why I love you)
*Raises hand meekly*
Guilty of #5
I KNOW!!!!
I prefer Grammar Gestapo…mmhmm Double G’s.
*runs*
Do NOT make me come after you, David. I know where you live.
I proudly admit I am the person who enjoys the brussel sprout experience. These little “stink bombs” are tasty morsels chock full of vitamins. Mmmmmm-I think I have two packs left.
Now if you want to talk disgusting and vile—-the lima bean! YUUUUUCCCKK.
PS
Irregardless is not a word. . . .it makes me nuts when I hear it.
Ack! “Irregardless” makes me nuts too. That’s a biggy. So is real-a-tor. You know, the people who sell houses? Real-a-tor. Um, NO!!!!!! Two syllables: Real-tor.
And B-Sprouts are NASTY!! (and you will probably bring them tomorrow just to smoke me).
Thanks for coming to rehearsal tonight – your input was great!
Have I missed out on the rant about the misuse/overuse of “literally?” If I hear someone use “literally” when they mean “actually,” I will literally throw up all over them!!
I was shopping about a week ago (shortly after your post about going postal @ rehearsal) and bought a couple things for you as a “show survival kit.” I **finally** got around to getting them shipped out this afternoon. UPS should be dropping off a small box at your doorstep by Friday
(no… I could not fit a pony in this box)
When is opening night??
((huggers)) from the Big D!
Boom Boom do I love you?? YES! You are always so thoughtful! Thank you x 1000. You also know what it’s like to do shows like this; it’s LITERALLY crazy.
Thank you again – big hugs back to the Big D!
PS – We open next Friday, the 27th. *bArF*
And will you please send a pony for Christmas?