Say What?
Do you know what you're really saying? Do I?23 total reviews
Comment from Veekz
Love this, Mike! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who does this. I think my main thing is breaking down combined words and thinking about the meaning that way. I.e. 'breakfast' - it's break and fast so theoretically this means it's a fast break. And 'supermarket' is another basic example - it's a market that is super. Silly I know but hey, now I know I'm not the only one in some way LOL :-) Thanks for the giggles but I won't thank you fully as no doubt you've now started me off on looking at ALL words and how they're used... tehehe :-D
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Love this, Mike! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who does this. I think my main thing is breaking down combined words and thinking about the meaning that way. I.e. 'breakfast' - it's break and fast so theoretically this means it's a fast break. And 'supermarket' is another basic example - it's a market that is super. Silly I know but hey, now I know I'm not the only one in some way LOL :-) Thanks for the giggles but I won't thank you fully as no doubt you've now started me off on looking at ALL words and how they're used... tehehe :-D
Comment Written 03-Dec-2013
Comment from mountainwriter49
HI, Mike
I fully appreciate the theme of this piece and feel your pain. I, too, pick apart words and cringe at the growing lapse of knowledge of how to properly use words and punctuation. It's like, "let's eat grandma." No, really, I really don't want to eat grandma, but how about "let's eat, grandma."
Wish I had a six to award you for this. Best of luck to you in the contest.
ray
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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HI, Mike
I fully appreciate the theme of this piece and feel your pain. I, too, pick apart words and cringe at the growing lapse of knowledge of how to properly use words and punctuation. It's like, "let's eat grandma." No, really, I really don't want to eat grandma, but how about "let's eat, grandma."
Wish I had a six to award you for this. Best of luck to you in the contest.
ray
Comment Written 28-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Thanks so much, Ray. I think this wasn't what the committee decided to look for, but I had a lot of fun and some great feedback on it.
Your example made me chuckle. Punctuation seems terrifying to some but it's always seemed fairly simple to me. I get called a snob when I try to explain apostrophe use. People think it's convoluted and inconsistent but it's actually very straightforward.
*sigh* I know I'm preaching to the converted but if we can't vent in the company of other writers, where can we? lol
Thanks again, Ray.
Mike
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Very true. I hear some strange things from my first graders. Please understand these little guys are exposed to Ebonics, Spanish or some version of it, Texan, yes its a little different, and the teachers trying to teach them English. Oh My!!! Good luck with the contest.
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Very true. I hear some strange things from my first graders. Please understand these little guys are exposed to Ebonics, Spanish or some version of it, Texan, yes its a little different, and the teachers trying to teach them English. Oh My!!! Good luck with the contest.
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Yes, that's quite a mix of linguistic influences! When I was at school we had a large indian community local to us and the languages mixed a little, buy most of the children were brought up speaking English first so it was minimal. Now (my wife's a teaching assistant) some of the 5 year-olds start at school without ever having spoken a word of English. They also come from a far broader spectrum of parental nationalities - lots of eastern European now (most polish and Russian) and quite a lot of Chinese and African, but still with a large indian community! It's quite a mixing pit.
So glad you enjoyed my little article - it was fun to write :-).
Mike
Comment from Bayberry
What an enlightening read! It made the light bulbs glow. (Virtually, of course). I've heard it said that English is a difficult language to learn and comprehend, and you've presented some good reasons for why this is so. Thankfully, I was born into using it, but still, I'm stumped sometimes as to what people are really saying with the words they choose to use. Thank you for a super posting that prompts additional thought. :) Janet
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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What an enlightening read! It made the light bulbs glow. (Virtually, of course). I've heard it said that English is a difficult language to learn and comprehend, and you've presented some good reasons for why this is so. Thankfully, I was born into using it, but still, I'm stumped sometimes as to what people are really saying with the words they choose to use. Thank you for a super posting that prompts additional thought. :) Janet
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Thank you, Janet :-). I think English is difficult for those who already speak another latin-based language because we reverse a lot of sentence syntax compared to others. Like any other language though, it's easy when you speak it and hard when you're learning it. What amuses me is when other European countries tell us we're doing it 'wrong' - we're fine, thanks! If Latin didn't need to evolve, we'd all still be talking it.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the read - it was lots of fun to write, not to mention cathartic! Most weird use of English is down to people not thinking about what they're saying. I heard a radio advert yesterday proclaiming 'there's no dramas'
If they'd said it without joining words - 'there is no dramas' - the error would've been obvious. Admittedly 'there're' is awkward to say, but in this case the s could be dropped from dramas to fix the line. This in a nationally broadcast transmission, too. Not good!
Mike
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I've noticed more and more newscasters (and others)using incorrect grammar. It's sad. I often wonder what the schools are teaching these days. Your/you're is a common mistake everywhere. I say, Up With Dictionaries!
:) Janet
Comment from ElPoetry001
Excellent. 5 stars
It is a difficult path to follow, if the directions are generic, and no concern is shown for someone who needs to descent to the particulars.
As a person with some education and some experience it is exciting for me to read a story that avoids the clich©, the oxymoron, and the mixed metaphor.
The puzzles pieces--as seen on in the box picture--fit together do not provide a precise picture as to the broad brush verbal statement that this here puzzle is about, "who be da baby daddy?'
A heath department inquiry, a criminal case, the support department of the local court system? each contribute a strand of the spider's web that is created.
Without being pedantic or smug, it is pleasurable to read a story that has a metaphor, or a sub-plot, or a 'Red Herring."
The many available phrases that persons use to communicate are like newspaper headlines: They get your attention, but they do not relate to the story.
Unfortunately, many of the shorthand communications--texting--that are now being used are not even as effective as the telegraph messages President Lincoln relied on to fight a war.
Euphemisms are also being found in the language, and they take the reader even further from the message.
Political correctness is the moving force because most people--politicians--want to provide rhetoric that gives us form over substance--and chameleon words--and generalizing; sad.
I often laugh when I hear a person say--without qualifying to limit it the subject being discussed--"That's all that I know." As a declaration and not as an answer to a question.
I love your observations and conclusions; even if we reach over the side of the boat many will not grasp our hands, because learning is just too difficult.
The tweeters and twitters seem to thing they are the 'go-get-hers'. Wrong, and they Vote.
Yes, they do believe that the Government is supposed to be Santa Claus, too bad that have not taken the time to look up: Budget Sequestration. Which translates to even the poor will be cut back on welfare. I wonder what their term for that will be.
Perhaps, "Santa Sucks,"
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Excellent. 5 stars
It is a difficult path to follow, if the directions are generic, and no concern is shown for someone who needs to descent to the particulars.
As a person with some education and some experience it is exciting for me to read a story that avoids the clich©, the oxymoron, and the mixed metaphor.
The puzzles pieces--as seen on in the box picture--fit together do not provide a precise picture as to the broad brush verbal statement that this here puzzle is about, "who be da baby daddy?'
A heath department inquiry, a criminal case, the support department of the local court system? each contribute a strand of the spider's web that is created.
Without being pedantic or smug, it is pleasurable to read a story that has a metaphor, or a sub-plot, or a 'Red Herring."
The many available phrases that persons use to communicate are like newspaper headlines: They get your attention, but they do not relate to the story.
Unfortunately, many of the shorthand communications--texting--that are now being used are not even as effective as the telegraph messages President Lincoln relied on to fight a war.
Euphemisms are also being found in the language, and they take the reader even further from the message.
Political correctness is the moving force because most people--politicians--want to provide rhetoric that gives us form over substance--and chameleon words--and generalizing; sad.
I often laugh when I hear a person say--without qualifying to limit it the subject being discussed--"That's all that I know." As a declaration and not as an answer to a question.
I love your observations and conclusions; even if we reach over the side of the boat many will not grasp our hands, because learning is just too difficult.
The tweeters and twitters seem to thing they are the 'go-get-hers'. Wrong, and they Vote.
Yes, they do believe that the Government is supposed to be Santa Claus, too bad that have not taken the time to look up: Budget Sequestration. Which translates to even the poor will be cut back on welfare. I wonder what their term for that will be.
Perhaps, "Santa Sucks,"
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
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Thank you, Elp! Really glad you enjoyed the read :-).
Mike
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Of course, those are empty wine bottles.
I suppose the one that makes me want to screech is "co-conspirators". "Conspirators" indicates multiple individuals. One cannot conspire alone. Plan yes, conspire uh-uh. Does no one read the Dictionary anymore? It's far more entertaining than most novels.
Well thought out, Mike. Enjoyed it. :) nancy
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Of course, those are empty wine bottles.
I suppose the one that makes me want to screech is "co-conspirators". "Conspirators" indicates multiple individuals. One cannot conspire alone. Plan yes, conspire uh-uh. Does no one read the Dictionary anymore? It's far more entertaining than most novels.
Well thought out, Mike. Enjoyed it. :) nancy
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Lol, I'd never thought about co-conspirators. Good one - thanks for pointing that out :-). As you point out, the wine bottle phrase is easily fixe. It's just a case of thinking about it. I used to love thumbing through the dictionary - great fun! Thank you Nancy :-).
Mike
Comment from humpwhistle
'I could care less' is the one gets me, too. I've even tried to explain what's wrong with that, and end up talking to blank stares.
Another infraction that hurts my ears is the psuedo-word 'supposably'. At its current rate of usage, it's bound to show up in the dictionary soon. I could care less. Really.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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'I could care less' is the one gets me, too. I've even tried to explain what's wrong with that, and end up talking to blank stares.
Another infraction that hurts my ears is the psuedo-word 'supposably'. At its current rate of usage, it's bound to show up in the dictionary soon. I could care less. Really.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Thanks Lee. I think that's what's most irritating - when people can't see the obvious logical flaw in what they're saying. It's not even about words, it's about common sense. *sigh* Supposably is one of those words that's come from a common mistake and become an alternative. I read a story recently containing the line 'it swung two and throw' - let's hope that never gets into popular culture!
Mike
Comment from kenni
Funny and educational. I'm a genius at selecting the wrong word, exactly. Quick reaction to a quip, can cause a slip, but long thinking's not always the solution to finding the correct term neither. Thanks, Lee, I'm finally learned. kenni
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Funny and educational. I'm a genius at selecting the wrong word, exactly. Quick reaction to a quip, can cause a slip, but long thinking's not always the solution to finding the correct term neither. Thanks, Lee, I'm finally learned. kenni
Comment Written 27-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Lol, thanks Kenni - I'm glad I raised a smile :-).
Mike
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I always enjoy reading your work. You must be a published author.
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Oops--Mike
Comment from w.j.debi
Love your take on the language. One phrase that has caught on where I work it is, "Currently, right now...."
I like Star Trek, but I do think the old opening theme made more sense
"To go where no man has gone before." I am female, and can accept that man could be short for humankind. To be politically correct it has changed to, "To go where no one has gone before." So if no one has ever been there before, how are these space explorers finding "new life and new civilizations"? Doesn't seem logical to me.
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Love your take on the language. One phrase that has caught on where I work it is, "Currently, right now...."
I like Star Trek, but I do think the old opening theme made more sense
"To go where no man has gone before." I am female, and can accept that man could be short for humankind. To be politically correct it has changed to, "To go where no one has gone before." So if no one has ever been there before, how are these space explorers finding "new life and new civilizations"? Doesn't seem logical to me.
Comment Written 26-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Ah yes, the redundant phrase! I keep hearing 'I myself, personally' at the moment. I hadn't thought about Star Trek in the respect - I always got hung up on the split infinitive. As you say, though, its attempt at political correctness should result in a barren, uninhabited universe. Indeed, in such contexts, 'man' is understood to be 'mankind' rather than 'bloke,' - Spock would raise an eyebrow!
Thank you for the great review :-).
Mike
Comment from Kingsland
Here's one for you...
None the less...
How can you have less than none...
This was a very entertaining article that I enjoyed reading and writing this response for... John
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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Here's one for you...
None the less...
How can you have less than none...
This was a very entertaining article that I enjoyed reading and writing this response for... John
Comment Written 26-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
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lol, thanks John. My boss' current hate is the phrase 'almost exactly' - as he says, something is either almost or exactly, never both. I'm glad you enjoyed the read :-).
Mike