Absurd word of the day

[Islander]

I don't know how long I can keep this up...probably not on a daily basis...but please chime in, everyone, with another misused, abused, trite or hackneyed word or phrase.

MONDAY: hilarious. Some things are amusing, some are a yawn. Stop disappointing me. I wish we had an optional word to convey "very funny," but since we don't...just tell me this made you smile and let me take it from there!

[highlander]

When people say "could of" instead of "could have"

[Reesacat]

F*nally....:::ducks and runs for cover:::
(Islander is Hilarious when she gets started on the misuse of the 'F' word!)

[highlander]

F*nally....:::ducks and runs for cover:::
(Islander is Hilarious when she gets started on the misuse of the 'F' word!)
Oh, do tell! I've never thought about its misuse. I do get tired of its overuse. I don't care that people say it but it shouldn't make up 30% of one's vocabulary.

[Islander]

(Islander is Hilarious when she gets started on the misuse of the 'F' word!)
What the fiduciary are you talking about? :cool:

[mellowsong]

What the fiduciary are you talking about? :cool:

She put the asterisk in the wrong place....*INALLY!!!!!!

[Islander]

Yeah, I knew that...I was just f**king with the use of the F-bomb! :D


Yes, I remember how every headline or commercial on VV used to begin with *INALLY!

[Islander]

TUESDAY: (I know it's only Monday night, but I'll forget this overnight): avoid xyz "like the plague!" I know there are still a few remote corners of the world where the plague persists but really...it hasn't been something to avoid since 1347. Challenge: come up with something contemporary to avoid. A flu shot?

[highlander]

Avoid stupid headlines like pubic lice. [Spreading misery since before the plague.]

[oceanforkids]

I detest the misuse of the word "that". JM's site does this all too often (as in all the time). There are many times "that" should be replaced with *which or *who, and probably other words, as well.

I agree with Highlander, too, about "could of instead of could have".

Also, *anyways*. I cannot stand it when people say "Well, anyways, here goes (fill in the blank)". You can usually tell when you're speaking with a young person because they all seem to say it as if it were correct and proper English. I see it on the nutritional blogs of these younger girls/women quite often.

[Aaltrude]

Anyways (((((ducks))))) I always thought the use of the word "that" when the meaning is "who" was an Americanism given the places I see it cropping up. .135

[Julieanne]

Amazing! Definite overuse. And I agree with oceanforkids: 'that' is so impersonal when referring to a living creature ie animal or person.

[Pattypans]

I shall save my absurd phrase of the day for tomorrow, since it is 'of the day'.

[Pattypans]

Anyways (((((ducks))))) I always thought the use of the word "that" when the meaning is "who" was an Americanism given the places I see it cropping up. .

As for 'that' or 'who', grammar books from both sides of the Atlantic agree that 'that' and 'who' can both be used for people. I know, it took me a long time to get over it, too, but it's true. Since you can choose, however, you don't have to use the one you don't like. But it's okay for other people to, and you can save your grammar grumpiness for true mistakes!

This explanation is an oversimplification, because it's only true for certain types of clause, but I'm sure neither you nor I want to go any deeper than this!

[Islander]

When I am writing, or when I am working in an official capacity as editor, I always re-write which or that as who when it applies to people. Just satisfies my need for species logic, I guess, but I agree, anyways.

I also agree with amazing. Waaaay overdone. throwitaway throwitaway. There are synonyms!

[Katee]

astonish, astound, ***awesome***, bewilder, fascinating, flabbergast, impress, incredible, marvelous, move, prodigious, shocking, stunning, surprising, unbelievable, wonderful

amaze once meant 'alarm, terrify' but now means 'astonish'; surprise means 'meet with suddenly or without warning'


***never, ever use "awesome." it is as overused as "amazing."

Thesaurus (like a dinosaur?) dot com (http://thesaurus.com/browse/amazing)

[Islander]

Good, helpful list, Katee. Please delete awesome! :aaargh:




ETA to say, Thank you for your edit!

[highlander]

(This isn't so much a grammar thing but a pronunciation thing.) It irritates me when people say "acrost" instead of "across." I've watched exercise videos and the person leading will say, "Pull your arm acrost your body."

"Awesome" is going to be with us for a very long time; but if it were relegated to casual conversations and kept out of business, politics, etc. it would be a great improvement.

[Reesacat]

Anyways, F*nally Awesome and Amazing will be banished from HH in a Hilarious move by the Grammarians......:::ducks:::

[MooniePetul]

In NZ there is a "Minglish" language.. Some refer to it as Maori/English but I see it as a marbled english spoken... Example being "aksed" instead of "asked'... That pushes the buttons for me.

[Pattypans]

My pick for today's absurd phrase of the day: "On a daily (weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) basis". Why use four words when one (daily) or two (every day) would do? This phrase has become way too common.

[Islander]

In NZ there is a "Minglish" language.. Some refer to it as Maori/English but I see it as a marbled english spoken... Example being "aksed" instead of "asked'... That pushes the buttons for me.
I think that happens wherever there is a cultural overlap. Here, with a significant French-Canadian population, one sometimes hears Franglais. Of course, the actual French have adopted a whole truckload of English words: sweater, weekend, drugstore, and I'm sure a collection relating to computer technology, which has the French purists tearing their hair out!

[Islander]

@Pattypans: Why use four words when one or two would do? To sound erudite, or course. Or sometimes, orally, as a stalling mechanism. Anyone old enough to remember the Watergate hearings will never forget "at that point in time" as opposed to "then." Sadly, it has since become a useless fixture in the language.

[highlander]

To sound erudite, or course.
Yep, and it makes the opposite impression on me. The same thing happens when people pepper their conversation with the jargon used in their jobs. Doctors loves to do this. It's really annoying and not the least bit impressive. Saying precisely what you mean in a way that is understood without boring someone to tears is impressive.

[Reesacat]

I feel the same way. If you speak clearly and simply, the chances of miscommunication decrease. It takes a while to get your ego out of the way (I'm still a work in progress) but the times when I can keep it simple the conversation is amazing and often very productive.

[highlander]

It's why people like to quote Mark Twain (among others).

[Aaltrude]

Hey you lot. Don't forget that not everyone is perfect. One of my pet peeves is "I'm gonna haf to" or I'm going to have to" when most of the time "I will have to" fits the bill and I've noticed a number of the members here using the "I'm going......" etc.
I am not particulary articulate - it is something that is hardwired into my brain but I do my best. Often I have the concept of what I want to say in my brain but I cannot find the words to convey the meaning. This is why I probably come across as sounding very serious a lot of time. Humour is something that is difficult for me to convey although I appreciate the humour from other people. Because of my short comings I probably make a lot of mistakes that the critical are quick to criticise. One of the most difficult for me is using the word "so" as a conjunction. I know it is not a conjunction but often I find it difficult to find a way to say what I want without using "so". I often wonder how many people notice this and are silently critical.
I do agree that on a professional website such as JM's, that even if JM himself has difficulties, which given my own personal problem I can understand, he should at least have someone who is proficient correct the mistakes.
"Anyways" what I trying to say and hoping I am getting across in a way that can be understood is please make allowances for the fact that not everyone is perfect. In my opinion it is more important to judge a person for who they are than expect them to be on some idealistic pedastal of perfection.

[highlander]

Aaltrude, I hope you didn't think I expected perfection from people. I rarely try to correct people but this blog is a place to let it out. Not only am I light years from perfect (I'm sure Islander would have a field day correcting my mistakes) but I don't aspire to perfection. I love slang, deliberately use words in weird ways in casual conversation, use Yoda speak, and all sorts of nonsense. My gripe is when people are serious and make really elementary grammar mistakes or become condescending with extraneous words. :)

[Reesacat]

Aaltrude, please forgive me if I have upset you. I was responding to Highlander's complaint about doctors using jargon to confuse and make them look better. I found as a nurse if I spoke simply the patients understood better-that is what I was trying to say.
I also have dyslexia, can't spell even with spellcheck (Islander is always editing my posts, bless her heart!), a brain injury and my speech often has 'Southern' in it that I don't even realize is there!
You do fine:)

[Aaltrude]

Hey guys, I wasn't taking anything that was being said as a personally and I am not upset Reesacat :) . Just trying to say perfection is warranted in professional situations but any other time in most cases, slip ups are forgiveable.
You may have a few problems as well Reesacat but I love your sense of humour. I just wish I could convey humour as well as you can :D

[Reesacat]

Whew-I thought I had messed up..I value your friendship and all you do here on HH, Aaltrude-and you have made me laugh often with a clever joke or phrase. I do find humor hard to do on the Internet-I am so used to using body language, dialect, etc. It is a lot harder to pull off!

[Islander]

Hullo! I just got back from an evening @ book club.
Aaltrude, I started this thread merely as a list of my linguistic pet peeves and invited others to contribute theirs. I try to make a point of maintaining a casual atmosphere here (unlike some OTHER sites [ahem]) and will frequently lapse into colloquialisms or even slang, as in "I'm gonna" or even worse, "I'ma..." as in, "I'ma fix that tomorrow." Where I strive to maintain accuracy and dignity is in the OP (Opening Post), the one that cites the study or reference. If we are to remain a credible source of information, I think it's important to present and discuss such information in a professional manner. I am proud of the standard that all of you have maintained in that respect. Occasionally I will jump in to edit, for instance, to italicize book and journal titles, but that's about all.

So when I bring up the "absurd word of the day," the source is from professional usage, pop culture or the 'Net. It's not from any of you, nor is it intended to criticize anyone here. Please be sure to understand that. My professional background is in writing and editing so I am particularly sensitive to the inexcusable butchering of the language that I hear or see daily, usually in situations where educated, literate people should know better. "Alot" is a good example.

Once a post here has been discussed seriously, I have no problem with the thread deteriorating into fun. Life is short and we're a long time dead, so let's enjoy our time here while we can. I completely understand about humor; mine tends to be rather dry and low-key, or just silly (as in the feather boa) and probably doesn't come across as all that funny. Doesn't matter. Be yoursef, whoever that is. Me, I'm whimsical. Nevertheless, I managed to piss off two people today...but also got two "attaboys" so I guess I'm breaking even for this 24-hour period.

All right. Carry on.

[Julieanne]

'At the end of the day' and 'at this point in time' are two of my unfavourites. Politicians love 'em!

[Islander]

Yup, Julianne, I consider that Pompous Politician-speak!

THURSDAY'S WORD: supposably. Not even sure how it's spelled! I guess spelling doesn't matter, since there's no such word to begin with....

[Aaltrude]

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Supposably
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/supposedly

[highlander]

In the South we said "supposa" as in "you supposa go to school."

[Islander]

Highlander, that's funny!

Now it may not matter to you and I, but I heard the last PM of England (forget his name) tell us that "my mother taught my brother and I at home." I almost swallowed my gum (just an expression, I never chew gum, never understood why anyone would) to hear a supposably edumacated top political official speak in public as if he had never gotten beyond third grade. I hear Americans — educated Americans, who really ought to know better — commit this atrocity all the time, but for some reason I thought the British educational system was a cut above us. I cringe when I hear it, but in a professional situation (well, any situation, I suppose) you can't butt in and correct someone's English.

No matter how tempting it is.

[mellowsong]

Not sure if it fits "absurd" but a major pet peeve is using UP as a verb. Just saw a headline saying "Anti-smoking Drug Ups CV risk". This just drives me crazy, especially from supposedly educated journalists.

[Islander]

Initially I think this was a device to fit headlines into small spaces, but not any more. Now it's morphed into standard usage. Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer raises or increases.

[highlander]

... but for some reason I thought the British educational system was a cut above us.
When elegance, sophistication, intelligence, etc. is desired in advertising Americans often hire someone with an English accent. I was watching some talk show years ago and the interviewer told an English actress that we (Americans) thought she was so refined and smart. The actress exclaimed "No! No! No! It's not true. It's simply not true." And yes, she still sounded aristocratic to American ears. I think it was Emma Thompson (love her) but I'm not sure.
And somehow the word "me" has become equated with all that is podunk even when it is appropriate.

[Aaltrude]

Highlander, that's funny!

Now it may not matter to you and I, but I heard the last PM of England (forget his name) tell us that "my mother taught my brother and I at home."

I may be wrong but I think this may be a way of speaking that the British upper class use to distinguish themselves from the lower classes. banghead

[Islander]

Then they have a lot to be ashamed of! But I hear it used more and more on this side of the pond. Tony Blair may have had his faults, but he never mistook the nominative for the objective!

[Julieanne]

Aaltrude, I find the use of the word 'one' a much more upper class kind of habit - and really irritating. Eg, 'one couldn't comment', rather than 'I couldn't comment'. Prince Charles used to say this a lot, but haven't heard him speak for a while.

[Samurai]

Few people know the difference between healthy and healthful. It is a rare day when I see someone write, or hear someone say, "I would like to eat a healthful diet, so I may become healthy."
Everyone always says, "Eat veggies! They are healthy!"

[Islander]

Ahem. All my veggies are healthy. I grow them organically, in good rich compost. They stand up and salute as I walk by. The really healthy ones even manage a few bars of the national anthem. They are SO healthy...
...How healthy are they?
They are so healthy, they get up of their own accord and strut from the garden to the kitchen.

[Samurai]

I hate this phrase/ lame defense:
"Well, that's my opinion. You have a right to your opinion (unless you are in France), just like I have a right to my opinion." 28th Amendment, is it?

[highlander]

My La. family/friends would say "An opinion is like an a$$hole -- everbody's got one." Charming.

[Reesacat]

They say that here in West Virginia, also.....

[highlander]

They say that here in West Virginia, also.....

Scotch-Irish stock I reckon.

[Reesacat]

Yes-with Cherokee and moonshine mixed in LOL!

[Pattypans]

Highlander, I have a lot of Irish blood, and I detest that "An opinion is like an a$$hole -- everbody's got one" sorry excuse for not listening to other people, and/or putting down their opinion. I've only heard one person use it in my life, and he was on a power trip. (Not Irish either, btw, lol.)

[highlander]

Yes, that would be me (plus a dash of Blackfoot). DNA is something ain't it? (I had to throw that in because of the title of the thread and all).

[highlander]

Wander vs. wonder. I'm amazed people confuse them so often.

[highlander]

I've only heard one person use it in my life, and he was on a power trip. (Not Irish either, btw, lol.)
Wow, I've heard it hundreds of times. I guess that's a lovely illustration of where I came from and the charming people I've had the pleasure of working with. Wit has been a handy weapon.

[Maurya]

Has anyone yet mentioned that old chestnut "irregardless"? Evidently it still is being used.

Frequently a sentence will be said as "Every person is not the same about this" when what is meant clearly should be "Not every person is the same about this".

I am so ancient that I actually remember when split infinitives were a grammar crime.

[Islander]

Oh, oh, pick me, pick me!!

:: waves hand violently in the air ::

Loose vs. lose. I tried to point this out 2-3, maybe 4 times on VV and then gave up. Everybody, but EVERYBODY, wants to loose weight. But it's not nice to correct people's English.

[Islander]

Wit has been a handy weapon.

And you wield it with such grace and precision.

[Islander]

Has anyone yet mentioned that old chestnut "irregardless"? Evidently it still is being used.

Kind of like "flammable" and "inflammable." I wish they'd retire the latter. It only confuses the partially literate.


I am so ancient that I actually remember when split infinitives were a grammar crime.

Indeed, you are not alone. And it's often so easy to avoid. But the tendency of all languages over time is to simplify, simplify.

[Islander]

Reesacat, your account has been temporarily banned.

[Reesacat]

:::Sobbing! I moved the post! (Put it in wrong thread-it's in the blogspot now!)::::

[Islander]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. No wonder I was going bonkers trying to find the post I was replying to. I really think yo should surrender that tiara for 48 hours.
And make a good act of contrition.

[Reesacat]

I'll give up the tiara for 48 hours-Stripey got high on 'nip' at the Galactic Ball and got the munchies and ate the feather boa...you just need the feather boa to go with the tiara...
Amazon can't get me glow-in-the-dark fuchsia feather boa right away-it will take a week.....
::::hangs head contritely::::Stripey hawks up feather hairball in her lap::::

[Islander]

Thank you. I SO needed these laughs tonight!!!

[highlander]

I was certainly picturing some feather hairball issues. Have you ever stepped in one on the way to the bathroom at night in the dark?

[Islander]

No, but I've stepped on other, squishier items in the dark. Barefoot. Oh, and Legos. Let us not forget barefoot on Legos.

[highlander]

Legos are one of those toys that seem like such a good idea in the store; and then you get them home...
How about jacks? Apparently they were inspired by the Inquisition -- possibly the innards of an iron maiden that had outlived its usefulness.

[Islander]

Aaltrude, the coordinates I have put his home in northern Wisconsin. The 45th parallel is just 30 miles or so north of where I live. He is much farther south, in Schaumburg or Hoffman Estates.

[Islander]

Oh oh oh I just ran across another absurd word: treating media as singular. I see it all the time, by people who should know better. The media ARE...One medium is print. Another is broadcast. Film is a medium. So is TV. Together they are the media.

Example: book title: The Republican Noise Machine: Right-Wing Media and How It Corrupts Democracy

See what I mean?

Nobody learns Latin any more. The English language is circling the drain. Don't even get me started on alumni, alumnus, alumnae, alumna....

[Reesacat]

Aluminum:::::dang there goes wearing the tiara for another 24 hours:::::

[Islander]

Aluminum:::::dang there goes wearing the tiara for another 24 hours:::::

Ah, the all-purpose, gender-neutral solution!

[Jane Chitty]

...and data and datum

[Maurya]

Or a person who has a PhD using phenomena as singular...

[Pattypans]

Or a person who has a PhD using phenomena as singular... I've come to the realization that people can be brilliant in one area, but be terrible spellers and even very poor communicators. Sad, maybe, but true. It seems I notice it the most with scientific types. Oh, well, it takes all kinds!

[Pattypans]

How about the ubiquitous "it's" when what is called for is "its"? It's all over the place online, and its presence is maddening!

[Islander]

It's that damned APOSTROPHE again! Google the Apostrophe Protection Society for a few chuckles.

[Pattypans]

Speaking of chuckles, did you ever hear the story of the title of "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves"?

[Islander]

Yup. And I own a copy too.

[highlander]

I've come to the realization that people can be brilliant in one area, but be terrible spellers and even very poor communicators. Sad, maybe, but true. It seems I notice it the most with scientific types. Oh, well, it takes all kinds!
I absolutely agree. I think it is the norm. As long as a person is knowledgeable in whatever area I'm paying him/her for then I don't care about the rest. The thing that gets me is when they are arrogant.

[Maurya]

Could this be because of the current notion that conflates "education" with "vocational training"? A person might be competent enough to gain highly paid employment without having much of any idea as to the fundamental areas of knowledge that people formerly considered to be vital to a true education.

[Katee]

Well, as Islander said, no one learns Latin any more. I've been told that it is the basic underlying formation of our language. I've heard, from folks who studied it, that they understood English much better after the study.

For myself, i had a total of 12 weeks of grammar in high school. I did not understand it, and i hated every minute.

I was a voracious reader, however (in spite of being dyslexic), and i think that saved me to some extent. I read many authors who were English/British and wrote well.

When i got to college and royally failed the basic English exam on grammar, i had to take a semester of English grammar. My teacher told me i wrote well but that i had no clue what i was doing or why. My downfall in particular is that i tend to use far too many commas. "When in doubt leave the comma out!" she told me many times.

I don't do well with repeated poor spelling, or misuse of its/it's, me/i, or many of the other mistakes mentioned here. If i read a blog that continually misuses the language i tend to drop my subscription unless i've developed a connection to that person. I frequently bite my tongue about such things (as someone i know using the word "waist" when she meant "waste"). I know for myself i use too many parentheticals and am never sure if my grammar is actually correct. :)

My husband does like using "irregardless." I have to bite my tongue.

[highlander]

Could this be because of the current notion that conflates "education" with "vocational training"? A person might be competent enough to gain highly paid employment without having much of any idea as to the fundamental areas of knowledge that people formerly considered to be vital to a true education.

That’s huge. Education in itself doesn’t mean what it used to mean a century ago and people today don’t desire a higher education for the reasons they used to either. In today’s job market a bachelor’s degree is the equivalent of yesteryear’s high school diploma. In many cases you don’t really have to have the knowledge you just have to have the degree to pass the Human Resources screening. And it only takes one office meeting to realize many of those degree holders aren’t the brightest Crayons in the box. In addition being a high school dropout doesn not mean a person is ignorant. Some of the smartest and most knowledgeable people I know didn’t graduate from high school. They just have natural intelligence and voracious curiosity. I’ve encountered a PhD or two who are completely clueless outside of their area of expertise. I’ve known a judge who couldn’t figure out how to use a microwave. I think the biggest problem with all of this is that most people don’t see this.

[Katee]

Oh! Oh!

My pet peeve of the day: "Unthaw" or "dethaw." I've heard it used a number of times in the past couple of weeks. Say what???

:p

[highlander]

I just saw a comment using the word "ossbessed" instead of obsessed. That's what making it up as you go along looks like. What's sad is she was trying to straighten out someone else.

[Jane Chitty]

My husband does like using "irregardless." I have to bite my tongue.

I don't think you should bite your tongue, Katee. Correct him kindly because you don't want others to think less of him!

I was educated by the Irish order of nuns (Islander will relate to this) at the Loreto Convents in Kenya and they made sure that our English was of a high standard - for which I shall always be grateful. They also taught everyone Latin. Obviously English evolves constantly and up until very recently I would throw up my hands in horror at a split infinitive but now I am okay with "to boldly go".

I am used to writing English English with South African English thrown in but now I primarily write for the American public. Color I can live with but defense - no!

[Jane Chitty]

The South Africans are terrible with the apostrophe especially with the plural of photo - you frequently see signs such as ORDER YOUR PHOTO'S HERE - and the general public make the same mistake when they write photos (photo's). Even my daughter does it and she has a BA university degree in English and Media!!

[Pattypans]

Yup. And I own a copy too. Oooh, is it good?

[Pattypans]

Even my daughter does it and she has a BA university degree in English and Media!! Oops!

[Islander]

Oooh, is it good?

Not especially. Borrow it, don't buy it. IMO it's not a keeper. The best part is how it got its title.

@Jane Chitty: The Apostrophe Protection Society is an English website, so those folks are no better than we are. My Irish friend (originally from England) calls it the "greengrocer's apostrophe" as in PEAR'S 99¢ or BANANA'S 79¢ lb.

@Maurya & Highlander: I got a true liberal arts education. I can be re-trained to do anything. I think my 40-something children did too, but I'm not sure such an education is possible any more. Now it's all about the career.

[Katee]

I don't think you should bite your tongue, Katee. Correct him kindly because you don't want others to think less of him!



Oh, sweetie, i DID tell him, kindly. We got into a long discussion about it. I think telling an intelligent person once is enough. If they want to make the change they will. I think it is a habit with my dear hubby.

One of the people saying "dethaw" is a school teacher. I gently teased her about that, and she said, surprised, "You're right! Thaw is a word of its own and adding 'de' in front of it doesn't make sense."

But habit is habit and some people don't change.

[Islander]

Oops!

Pattypans, we have a smilie for that! :oops:

[Maurya]

My husband speaks Pittsburghese, and is quite proud of the fact that no one outside of southwestern Pennsylvania can understand what he says.

[Julieanne]

In my local paper: 'Send us your storys'. Not absurd, just appalling English.

[Pattypans]

Not especially. Borrow it, don't buy it. IMO it's not a keeper. The best part is how it got its title.
So funny you say that, because that's the impression I had of it too. Thanks for the tip!

[Islander]

"I think my 40-something children did too..." Good grief, Islander, you never told us you had forty children! ;)

I don't remember your asking.... :cool:

[Pattypans]

@Maurya & Highlander: I got a true liberal arts education. I can be re-trained to do anything. I think my 40-something children did too, but I'm not sure such an education is possible any more. Now it's all about the career.

That is so true. People go into fields they're not even interested in because they think they can make a good 'living' at it. But that's pretty elusive, because times change and people often have to 'reinvent' themselves to get a job after losing the one they had in the field they studied because they thought they'd make good money in it.

Good grief, Islander, you never told us you had more than forty children! ;) ::ducks::

[Pattypans]

I don't remember your asking.... :cool: Wow. That was an instant reply!

[Islander]

Well, an Admin has to stay on top of things. Why do you think I get this six-figure salary and all those bonuses?

[Pattypans]

Well, an Admin has to stay on top of things. Why do you think I get this six-figure salary and all those bonuses?

Yes, Islander, "The crown so beauteous to him that beholdeth, is so heavy to her that weareth it!" (attributed to one of the Queen Elizabeths)

[Islander]

Yes, Islander, "The crown so beauteous to him that beholdeth, is so heavy to her that weareth it!" (attributed to one of the Queen Elizabeths)

Those beholdeths and weareths suggest that it was Elizabeth One. :)

[Pattypans]

Rather. (How very British of me, wouldn't you say?) I'm just not sure it's accurately attributed either way. Sounds good, though.

[Islander]

Yes, heavy hangs the head that wears the crown, or something like that....

HOWEVER, as I go about my daily duties, I always like to approve one or two spammers so Reesacat will have something to amuse her while I'm away from the 'puter.

[Islander]

Here's an example from a site I dare not name. This usage always irks me though it's become common. "That side effect alone almost took my life, if I would have let it win." It's a misuse of tense. What the writer means is "...if I had let it win."

I tried to offer examples of the appropriate use of the conditional, but I'm just digging a deeper hole. I think tense is the problem, unless someone can explain at better. For instance: "I would have invested in Starbucks when they went public if I had been farsighted." "If I'd known how bad the service was, I would have gone to a different restaurant."

[Pattypans]

Here's one that's becoming more and more common: 'lead' (as in 'lead pipes') rather than 'led' as the past tense of 'lead'. From BBC: "The 'monster of sex determination in Asia' lead to vastly skewed ratios in countries like India, China and South Korea." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/14213136 BBC, no less! There are more ridiculous errors in online news stories than ever. It's almost amazing.

[Islander]

Er...did you say "amazing"?

Prepare for a spanking................

[Pattypans]

Wait, wait, Islander. Let me explain. The way I used it is different from the way it is misused. Wasn't it the misuse of it that was the focus of grammar grumpiness?

Be that as it may, we could say, "It almost surprises me." There. All better?

[highlander]

I hate it when people say "allst" instead of "all" as in "allst you have to do is..." Maybe I'm missing some regional thing. I hear it a lot on DIY type shows that my husband watches. I can't imagine why someone thought the word "all" needed an "st" stuck on its butt.

[Islander]

I confess to having a terrible affliction. When I listen to someone speaking with an accent or dialect unlike my own, in a matter of minutes I am hearing myself talking that way in my head. Sometimes, if it feels natural in the situation, I let it out. Talking to farmers about farming, for instance. If an older person is talking with a thick Downeast dialect, I'll often answer back the same way. It's not mocking nor is it meant to be insulting...it's more like identifying with that person. I could slip into that role with almost anybody if I let myself.

Wait a minute, wait a minute..................it's getting so I hardly ever see an "older person."

[Julieanne]

Islander, I have always had that problem. Put me in room full of eg South Africans, and within an hour or two I pick up their accent. Someone once said it because of an acute ear for accents - or something like that. Hasn't happened for a while.

[Islander]

...an acute ear for accents...
That may be it. I learn languages easily and master accents rather well, or at least I did before I lost most of my hearing.

[Julieanne]

A phrase which annoys me is ' the exact same time (or thing)'. We used to say ' exactly the same time'. Didn't we?

[Islander]

One that always gives me a solid slap to the frontal lobes is "begging the question" when used to mean "asking a question." "Begging the question" is a time-honored rhetorical strategy in which the writer assumes the truth of a debatable point and bases the rest of the argument on that assumption, as in, "Conservation is the only means to avert an energy crisis, therefore we should concentrate our efforts on energy conservation."

Unfortunately, the misuse of the phrase is becoming so common that I fear it will displace the original meaning. Thus one of the nuances of language will be lost, and the language becomes poorer.