? Pet peeves

by Martin on 28/08/2008

Todays topic: Language.

It’s etcetera. Not excetera.
Aluminium is pronounced ah-luh-min-ee-um not ah-loo-min-uhm.
Yes, “ironic” is generally used wrongly, however there really isn’t a good descriptive word to convey the what most people associate with “ironic” so stop being a dick about it. Coincidentally I’ve coined the word “alanic” ¹ to replace it, but until that gets enough momentum; Just accept the new use of “ironic”.
To paraphrase Terry Pratchett: “Multiple exclamation marks. A sure sign of a twisted mind.” Only I’d put it “…a sure sign of a total douchebag.”
The fact that you put a winking smiley after your mean and abusive statement does not absolve you of your complete and utter dickery. The same goes for “lol”.
Just because you’re anal about correct language (like me), don’t be mean. There’s a significant difference between honest mistakes² and laziness / douchebaggery.
“U” is not a word. “2″ is not a word. “R” is not word. “B” is not a word. Moron is.

From Alanis Morisettes blatant misuse of the term in her song “Isn’t it ironic” ↩
Or as I’m often guilty of myself; Funny or unfunny creativity. ↩

28/08/2008Paulo says:

My thing is with the difference between you’re and your. And don’t get me started on “ur” – such a cop out.

As for multiple exclamation marks – I use either one or three, depending on how much exlamation is required. Two is silly, but more than three is just twisted like you state :)
4/09/2008Martin says:

You’ll know the integrity of a conservative linguist when you read his Twitter feed.
18/11/2008Andy Gimblett says:

Americans do spell tend to spell it aluminum, not aluminium, so if you’re going to complain about that one, you’d best complain about “color”, “realize”, and while you’re at it, maybe go for “fall” as well. Indeed, according to the ever reliable (I jest) Wikipedia, Humphrey Davy (its discoverer (aluminium’s, not Wikipedia’s) called it aluminum, not aluminium.

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