Of mental health and the word ‘mental’
4-minute read When was the phrase mental health first used? In the OED meaning ‘mental health n. health of the mind as distinct from physical health; the…
Of spelling bees and other bees.
A few weeks ago I went ape-ian and delved into the origins of four bee-related phrases. This week, like bees round honey, I can’t keep…
Not the bee-all and end-all; busy bees; beeline
4-minute read I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean-rows…
Continue reading → Not the bee-all and end-all; busy bees; beeline
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s ‘style guide’. Some dispassionate thoughts.
Last week Jacob Rees-Mogg Esq., M.P. issued a style guide to his staff, proscribing certain words and phrases while enjoining a mixed bag of…
Continue reading → Jacob Rees-Mogg’s ‘style guide’. Some dispassionate thoughts.
A coruscating attack? Or an excoriating attack? Who’s right?
(1 & 2 of 30 commonly confused words) A revised & shortened version If person A makes a coruscating attack on person or thing B, what…
Continue reading → A coruscating attack? Or an excoriating attack? Who’s right?
Paparazzo, paparazzi and paparazzis. Not to mention spaghetto.
Of camera-snappers, clams, pasta and gaffes The other day I was flummoxed by the apostrophe for the possessive of paparazzi (plural): paparazzi’s or paparazzis’? Which…
Continue reading → Paparazzo, paparazzi and paparazzis. Not to mention spaghetto.
With regard to or with regards to? (2/2)
SUMMARY 21 per cent of a Twitter poll preferred ?with regards to over with regard to. In a Twitter corpus the regards versions happen more…
