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1

Oh good, more ammo for the word-snobs out there.

While these lists are interesting from a word-origin perspective, the fact is that language works the way its used. Therefore, it's not necessarily incorrect to say 'careen' instead of 'career'. The meaning of those words has simply shifted over time. Yes, it's originally because of a mistake in usage, but who cares? No one says 'The car careered around the corner' in 2007 America, and it's pedantic and unfriendly to correct your friends every time they say 'careened'.

Though it's mildly annoying when people don't know the nuances of their own language ('uninterested' vs. 'disinterested' comes to mind), it's exponentially more annoying to hang around people that are on 24-hour WordWatch, constantly correcting you on some arcane definition, even though they know what you mean. Don't take the bait, Feit!

Posted by Rottin' in Denmark | May 10, 2007 2:48 AM
2

Huh. Who are they to define aggression as unattractive?

Posted by Gloria | May 10, 2007 4:04 AM
3

First Dude: Shit man, that honky mus' be messin' my old lady... got to be runnin' cold upside down his head. You know?
Second Dude: Hey home, I can dig it. You know he ain't gonna lay no mo' big rap up on you man.
First Dude: I say hey sky, s'other s'ay I wan say?
Second Dude: UH...
First Dude: Pray to J I get the same ol' same ol'.
Second Dude: Eh. Yo knock yourself a pro slick, gray matter live performas down now take TCB'in man.
First Dude: Hey, you know what they say... See a broad, to get that booty yak 'em.
First Dude, Second Dude: Leg 'er down 'n smack 'em yak 'em
First Dude: Cold got to be. You know? Shiiiiit.

Now THAT's jive. :)

Posted by Rachael V | May 10, 2007 5:31 AM
4

Are you sure it's "don't take the bate, Feit"? I had always assumed it was "don't bite, Feit." Josh, you care to clarify? Your surname: like a boxing match, or like inexorable destiny?

Posted by Eric in Boulder | May 10, 2007 7:36 AM
5

Usage notes from grammar marms are often in conflict with actual, ancient usage of the language. Grammar marms often "invent" grammar rules (like the rule not to split an infinitive, which has been correct in English for a thousand years). The "convince" rule you cite is just one of these absurd made-up rules. Random House says this:

—Usage note Convince, an often stated rule says, may be followed only by that or of, never by to: We convinced him that he should enter (not convinced him to enter) the contest. He was convinced of the wisdom of entering. In examples to support the rule, convince is often contrasted with persuade, which may take to, of, or that followed by the appropriate construction: We persuaded him to seek counseling (or of his need for counseling or that he should seek counseling). *****The history of usage does not support the rule.***** Convince (someone) to has been in use since the 16th century and, despite objections by some, occurs freely today in all varieties of speech and writing and is fully standard: Members of the cabinet are trying to convince the prime minister not to resign.

There is a great blog that often discusses grammar marm rules and reality: LanguageLog (http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/). Although technical at times, it is a great read and full of great tidbits to take down the Marm.

Posted by ebsur | May 10, 2007 7:46 AM
6

Eric in Boulder @4,

Certainly. ei in German is pronounced eye. So, as I used to tell teachers on the first day of school, "Feit. Like Muhammad Ali."

Posted by Josh Feit | May 10, 2007 7:46 AM
7

Fascinating, Josh. Personally, I'm glad someone is paying attention to language. I don't think that's snobbery; it's learning how to say exactly what you mean. Makes it easier for the reader and easier for the listener. What's better than that?

Posted by Bauhaus | May 10, 2007 8:27 AM
8

yeah yeah, language is fluid. but i still hate that nucUlar and heighTH now have to be in the dictionary due to rampant misuse.

Posted by stickler | May 10, 2007 8:31 AM
9

"homes" "homie" never "home"

ie What up homes!

Posted by SeMe | May 10, 2007 9:48 AM
10

If only. That’s my alibi, don’t try to convince me otherwise, I don’t care if it jives with your story.

Posted by BB | May 10, 2007 11:14 AM
11

I totally thought it was pronounced like "fete," the French word for party.

Posted by Callie | May 10, 2007 12:43 PM
12

today a recruiter told me my resume "peaked" her interest.

PIQUED.

and Kudos is a singular thing. pronounced 'koo-doss', not 'koo-doughz'. it means 'glory'. it is NOT PLURAL. there is no 'kudo'.

i can't take it much longer.

Posted by maxsolomon | May 10, 2007 5:58 PM

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