Language fails that make you angry

  • Context: Lingusitics 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around common language misuses and grammatical errors that frustrate participants. It includes various examples of incorrect word usage, pronunciation issues, and the evolution of language, touching on both informal and formal contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration over the misuse of "literally," arguing that it is often used incorrectly for hyperbole.
  • Pronunciation of 'etc.' as "Eck-Cetera" is criticized by multiple participants, with some noting its prevalence among specific groups.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of "fail" as a noun, with participants discussing its evolution and the distinction between descriptivist and prescriptivist views in linguistics.
  • Misuses such as "expresso" instead of "espresso" and "for all intensive purposes" are highlighted as particularly annoying.
  • Participants mention the confusion between "less" and "fewer," with specific examples provided.
  • There is a discussion about the phrase "I could care less," which is often used incorrectly to mean "I couldn't care less."
  • Hyper-correction leading to the use of "I" instead of "me" in sentences is noted as a common error.
  • Some participants share examples of grammatical mistakes, such as the misuse of "myriad" and the confusion between "definitely" and "defiantly."
  • One participant humorously critiques the use of "where are you at?" as a grammatical faux pas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share similar frustrations regarding language misuse, but there is no consensus on the implications of these misuses or the evolution of language itself. The discussion includes competing views on descriptivism versus prescriptivism.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference ongoing debates in linguistics regarding language evolution and the acceptance of new usages, indicating that the discussion is influenced by personal opinions and experiences rather than established linguistic norms.

  • #241
Fredrik said:
How would you rewrite "I screwed up"?

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/22026080/screw-up.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #242
Fredrik said:
How would you rewrite "I screwed up"?

"I made a mistake." "Screwed" in that context is slang anyway and would not be used in formal writing. "I messed up" could also be revised to "I made a mistake," or one could say "I made a mess of this." You might consider these to be reaches, but there is no difference in meaning.
 

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