Usage gripe of the day
Forgive me. I'm about to transform into a grizzled old pedant.
But I am annoyed. I just read a published news story in which the writer--like a shocking number of people in this country--misused the word "nonplused." (I will forgive her for using the variant spelling "nonplussed," which, I admit, does look more correct, or at least more American, and is at least in the dictionary.)
I'll bet the last ten times I have heard or read the word, it has been used incorrectly. I have no idea why so many people insist upon using this word when what they mean is the exact opposite. Nonplused means perplexed, confused, or at a loss. It does NOT mean unfazed or self-possessed.
I understand that none of us is perfect, and I have certainly misused or mispronounced my fair share of words in casual writing and everyday speech. But published writers--with copy-editors allegedly checking their work, I'm sure--ought to be more careful. While I applaud the efforts of those who explore the outer realms of our dwindling American vocabulary, I also wish more writers would stick to that handy old rule of thumb, "If you're not sure of the meaning, don't use the word."
Or that even handier rule, "Look it up."
But I am annoyed. I just read a published news story in which the writer--like a shocking number of people in this country--misused the word "nonplused." (I will forgive her for using the variant spelling "nonplussed," which, I admit, does look more correct, or at least more American, and is at least in the dictionary.)
I'll bet the last ten times I have heard or read the word, it has been used incorrectly. I have no idea why so many people insist upon using this word when what they mean is the exact opposite. Nonplused means perplexed, confused, or at a loss. It does NOT mean unfazed or self-possessed.
I understand that none of us is perfect, and I have certainly misused or mispronounced my fair share of words in casual writing and everyday speech. But published writers--with copy-editors allegedly checking their work, I'm sure--ought to be more careful. While I applaud the efforts of those who explore the outer realms of our dwindling American vocabulary, I also wish more writers would stick to that handy old rule of thumb, "If you're not sure of the meaning, don't use the word."
Or that even handier rule, "Look it up."
posted by AmberO at Sleeping is for Sissies at 10:29 AM
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3 Comments:
Boy, you'd really fit in around here. We enjoy those kinds of curmudgeonly rants.
Of course, I have to admit to mis-using the word "jealous" frequently, including today, when commenting on another blog! I meant "envious." Oh, well, at least I know the difference, right?
That's important. I feel much more plused having read this.
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