Honestly, "on accident" is as annoying as the mid-Atlantic tendency to skip "to be" in phrases like "that needs to be fixed." Instead, they say, "That needs fixed." While more efficient and I know what it means, it was always annoying to me. At the same time, I love how unique American English evolves and splits into regional dialects.
Loved this. I want to mention his book "Words on the Move" where he talks about how words change over the years and centuries. The audiobook is especially good because he reads it (and he's good at that) and hearing the words he's talking about helps a lot versus reading them on the page.
The writing about "U" and "non-U" English related to the English aristocracy came to mind. Nancy Mitford was the most noted observer of this, but not the only one.
Loved this. Happy to *literally* let language do what it does, but I struggle with ‘focus around’. John would probably call this a harmless sentence softener we should not waste even one second complaining about, but I want my pilot and my surgeon to focus directly ON their tasks. Not around. Focus, people, focus!
This was a fun podcast. I wish my junior high school English teacher could have listened to it as I believe the correct use of I vs me was not taught properly. More broadly, I wish these lessons could reach young people that are engaged in learning to use the language correctly. On another note, I am not a fan of the term "intellectual" because my father used it routinely in a pompous and off-putting way. While he had a Ph.D and read widely and was quite intelligent, common sense was not a strength of his and the lack of it tarnished his credibility as an intellectual I thought. I choose to avoid the term intellectual and to use other measures when evaluating someone with the label "intellectual". I was not very interested in correct use of grammar and language growing up, but it's gotten more and more important as time goes on and I really enjoy hearing about current trends and correctness.
Prof Mc. Whorter is a delight as always. I actually quite enjoyed the grammar lesson :) my sensibilities are with Megan (guess I was taught in old school/elite manner) and read those sorts of books? @mehandaum, where can I find the last livestream you did with Penelope Trunk? I need my Penelope Trunk!!!! she's my spirit animal.
The phrase I don't like, that all newscasters now say is "take a listen". It was always "take a look" or "listen" or "listen to this". It bugs me and I won't say "take a listen". When did this become a normal phrase?
FWIW, I was a delegate for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the SC Democratic convention--we delivered the state to his presidential campaign--and I remember that he made the point that switching to "African-American" was meant to match the relevance of Italian-American, Irish-American, Polish-American, etc. And to put black folks on par with other communities.
The interesting thing about the 90s was the digital revolution... people with ambition had access to the types of tools formerly only available in schools or studios could utilize recorders, internet distro to get ideas out there, but it wasn't as accessible as a phone...
I wonder if while you may have a low opinion of Twump's intelligence, you understand his appeal? (Not to mention the strength given to him by all the attention of those who spend so much time and talent to publicly criticize him.)
We should replace "anyways" with "irregardless."
Totally!
Great conversation! My language pet peeve is “on accident.”
Honestly, "on accident" is as annoying as the mid-Atlantic tendency to skip "to be" in phrases like "that needs to be fixed." Instead, they say, "That needs fixed." While more efficient and I know what it means, it was always annoying to me. At the same time, I love how unique American English evolves and splits into regional dialects.
My grand father in law who immigrated from Europe was famous for saying, "you did that on perfect!"
Oh, I have not heard that one. I had assumed “on accident” was a New England thing until I heard it elsewhere recently.
Loved this. I want to mention his book "Words on the Move" where he talks about how words change over the years and centuries. The audiobook is especially good because he reads it (and he's good at that) and hearing the words he's talking about helps a lot versus reading them on the page.
This was great. I also can’t stand “anyways,” and the Stuff White People Like blog was art.
The writing about "U" and "non-U" English related to the English aristocracy came to mind. Nancy Mitford was the most noted observer of this, but not the only one.
Loved this. Happy to *literally* let language do what it does, but I struggle with ‘focus around’. John would probably call this a harmless sentence softener we should not waste even one second complaining about, but I want my pilot and my surgeon to focus directly ON their tasks. Not around. Focus, people, focus!
I don’t think my older brother ever recovered from loving Nirvana before they were big and then having them get big.
This was a fun podcast. I wish my junior high school English teacher could have listened to it as I believe the correct use of I vs me was not taught properly. More broadly, I wish these lessons could reach young people that are engaged in learning to use the language correctly. On another note, I am not a fan of the term "intellectual" because my father used it routinely in a pompous and off-putting way. While he had a Ph.D and read widely and was quite intelligent, common sense was not a strength of his and the lack of it tarnished his credibility as an intellectual I thought. I choose to avoid the term intellectual and to use other measures when evaluating someone with the label "intellectual". I was not very interested in correct use of grammar and language growing up, but it's gotten more and more important as time goes on and I really enjoy hearing about current trends and correctness.
finally a good thumbnail photo of you!!!
Prof Mc. Whorter is a delight as always. I actually quite enjoyed the grammar lesson :) my sensibilities are with Megan (guess I was taught in old school/elite manner) and read those sorts of books? @mehandaum, where can I find the last livestream you did with Penelope Trunk? I need my Penelope Trunk!!!! she's my spirit animal.
Penelope's last livestream appearance is here. And she's coming back this Thursday! https://www.theunspeakablepodcast.com/p/penelope-trunk-answers-your-questions
Really enjoyed this conversation!!
The phrase I don't like, that all newscasters now say is "take a listen". It was always "take a look" or "listen" or "listen to this". It bugs me and I won't say "take a listen". When did this become a normal phrase?
FWIW, I was a delegate for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the SC Democratic convention--we delivered the state to his presidential campaign--and I remember that he made the point that switching to "African-American" was meant to match the relevance of Italian-American, Irish-American, Polish-American, etc. And to put black folks on par with other communities.
That's interesting insight! (My Mom has a Jesse Jackson for president vintage button.)
The interesting thing about the 90s was the digital revolution... people with ambition had access to the types of tools formerly only available in schools or studios could utilize recorders, internet distro to get ideas out there, but it wasn't as accessible as a phone...
John - I would read your memoir or, possibly collected works.
I wonder if while you may have a low opinion of Twump's intelligence, you understand his appeal? (Not to mention the strength given to him by all the attention of those who spend so much time and talent to publicly criticize him.)