Pesky 18th Century

Filed under:Need a Good Editor?, Language Barrier — posted by Anwyn on January 31, 2008 @ 4:49 pm

“Transpire,” or “transpired.”

Meaning: To become known, as in “It did not transpire until the next day that McClellan had actually been defeated.”

Misuse: To happen, as in “What transpired there between Lee and McClellan is not yet known.”

True, Merriam-Webster, as with “comprise,” says that because the incorrect meaning has been in use since the 18th century, it’s all good. But why should meanings that come into use through misuse gain legitimacy solely on that basis, even if they are perpetrated by leading lights like Abigail Adams? On that basis, the apostrophe’s torturous misuse in phrases like “She went to see the Sheldon’s” will soon be completely okay. Which would be a multitude of shame’s.

Eh, Screw the Question Mark

Filed under:Politics — posted by Anwyn on January 30, 2008 @ 8:36 pm

Time to Go for Romney?

Filed under:Politics — posted by Anwyn @ 4:19 pm

The “Indiana Joe” Plan

Filed under:Priorities, Politics — posted by Anwyn @ 9:33 am

How Crazy Would It Be?

Filed under:Priorities, Politics, Not Cool — posted by Anwyn on January 29, 2008 @ 7:46 am

The Currently Most Frequently Misused Word in the English Language

Filed under:Need a Good Editor?, Language Barrier — posted by Anwyn on January 28, 2008 @ 10:38 pm

The Rant: Chandelier Bulbs and Chandelier Shades Do Not Go Together

Filed under:It's My Life, Rants, Not Cool — posted by Anwyn on January 27, 2008 @ 10:30 pm

Two Good Reads at TWS

Filed under:Sad, Priorities, Politics, Not Cool — posted by Anwyn @ 7:15 pm

Just One Thing I Love About My Son

Filed under:Cool, Music, It's My Life — posted by Anwyn @ 9:56 am

A Core Delusion

Filed under:It's the Jihad, Language Barrier — posted by Anwyn on January 26, 2008 @ 9:36 am

News to Me

Filed under:Jerks, Politics — posted by Anwyn on January 25, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

Brave, Beautiful Mother

Filed under:Sad, Mothering — posted by Anwyn @ 2:25 pm

Cowboys Fans, Get Over Yourselves

Filed under:Sports — posted by Anwyn on January 24, 2008 @ 6:57 pm

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image: detail of installation by Bronwyn Lace