Comments on: Begger Off

By: Gavin Montague

Gavin Montague — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 14:57:08 +0000

Add ,"The exception that proves the rule" to the pile. I regularly funny looks when I try to explain to people that they don't use it correctly.

The meaning of language is dictated by usage alone.

Try telling that to lawyers.

By: hannah

hannah — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 19:58:38 +0000

re, ‘the meaning of language is dictated by usage alone’:
Usage by the noisiest majority, though? So if the mass of thickos can’t be arsed to distinguish between ‘imply’ and ‘infer’, those words just have to sacrifice their meanings? That’s like… bullying, of words. I can’t agree.

By: Jack Mottram

Jack Mottram — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 13:01:49 +0000

(in memory of Mr. Davies)

Is he dead? Hope not. I think of him whenever I use a semi-colon.

The meaning of language is dictated by usage alone.

For sure, but in this case the misuse robs us of a useful term, one worth keeping.

By: Jez

Jez — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 00:47:40 +0000

The meaning of language is dictated by usage alone.

By: Donny

Donny — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 18:44:57 +0000

I'd just like to add the misuse of the tautological word reiterate. How many people will go over something again, again?

(in memory of Mr. Davies)