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
July 4, July 4th, July Fourth or Fourth of July?
Just how do you write America’s birthday?
Barbecue, Barbeque or BBQ?
This is a mouth-watering spelling conundrum.
Pronunciation Poise: Aunt
With all the aunts out there, you would think we would have arrived at a standard pronunciation for this word by now.
St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day?
This spelling has had many a leprechaun laughing.
Presidents Day, Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday?
Since this day involves such an important figure, it’s one holiday you’ll want to spell right.
Pronunciation Poise: February
Saying the date has never been any harder.
Definition Detail: Peruse
Be careful how you use this word.
Single Quotation Marks vs. Double Quotation Marks
In American English, single quotation marks are properly used in just two instances.
The Name of That Green Guy
What’s the difference between the name of the creature and the name of the doctor who created it — or is there one?