A blog on the idiosyncrasies of today’s fast-moving, social-media-driven language managed by 20-year-plus public relations writer Joseph Priest. l write “e-mail” with a hyphen, detest the word “issue,” and abbreviate “microphone” as “mike.” Got a language question? Bring it on.
Recent Posts

Definition Detail: Showstopper
A favorite word in business! But do we use it correctly?

Pronunciation Poise: Xmas
Is the “X” in this word really an “X”?

What’s the Origin of Black Friday?
For what many people is a bright time of the year, this day has such a dark connotation.

How to Hyphenate Halloween Terms
A couple of spelling tips on the tricks and treats of Halloween and a topic you may not know jack about.

Rasberry, Raspberry or Razzberry?
Here’s a delicious word that everyone loves (to try) to spell.

Catsup or Ketchup? Barbecue or Barbeque?
August is a perfect time to clarify the spellings of two favorite summertime delicacies.

Fits Like a Glove (Not)
Does the “kid” in the expression “kid gloves” really mean what most people think it means?

Generation Gap
Many people seem to be one generation removed when it comes to writing the names of people born from 1981 to 1996 and people born from 1997 to 2013.

Artificial Intelligence, artificial intelligence or AI?
Perhaps we need an artificial intelligence tool to help us to be able to write the name of this technology correctly.