A discussion about ableist language stimulated by this article has made me aware of my habitual use of words like idiot and stupid. If that’s offensive (as the article suggests) then I’d prefer not to use them. Also they are a form of thought-stopping; they reject the person or behaviour that is described without explaining … Continue reading Some writing principles and the style guide that I haven’t written
Tag: grammar
Grammar and the Grammar Police
[This post was originally titled Grammar and the Great White Males. This offended some of the people it referred to. I think they are right. Hence the new title] The Grammar Police keep on picking me up when I discuss good grammar, spelling and punctuation, saying things like “I thought you said grammar doesn’t matter.” I … Continue reading Grammar and the Grammar Police
Osmosis
Remember how people used to get annoyed when kids made a statement into a question by adding an interrogative upturn at the end? Well I just did that? While explaining to a waitress what happened to my pot of tea? How did I get infected with that shit? And how did I get infected with … Continue reading Osmosis
