The woeful state of the English language

"Medalled" is another awful one. It is simply linguistic idleness. However, I fear that old grumps like us are sidelined as reactionary buffoons. Some of the new dictionary words are good value though. "Muffin top" to describe a person with a bare midriff who wears jeans that allow the excess to bulge over the top seems so apt!

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
However, I fear that old grumps like us are sidelined as reactionary buffoons.

I disagree.
My personal opinion is that we have to accept that English is a root that will have many branches because of its adoption as the global language. This will inevitably include a dumbed-down version for the media and, as we know all too well, sports especially do not seem to go hand-in-hand with command of language!
So I wouldn't worry too much, English is safe and well in the places where it matters; in literature and in everyday use by most. English will continue to evolve and the demise of "BBC English" probably isn't such a bad thing anyway, if that is what you are concerned about. Poor use of language will go through its various short phases as it has always done, but provided that it is still a living language in all its guises, then I think it's really in pretty good health.
We need custodians of our language and I don't think that many would argue the need for that, provided that the living and evolving aspect of English is equally respected for what it is, even if sometimes it really is seriously lacking in its low moments.

Good points rasher.
I don't expect the actual sportspersons to be particularly articulate or literate, but I think the commentators could and should do better. Why is the demise of "BBC English" not a bad thing? Who would you identify as the "custodians of our language"?

I'm not sure who the custodians of our language are either. It isn't the job of people who compile dictionaries to determine correct usage. Dictionaries should reflect English usage rather than dictate it, so effectively they are always playing catch up as the language evolves.

But I agree with the OP that words phrases like "no-heighted" sound particularly ugly along with the verb "rubbished" another personal hate of mine. But aesthetics aside I guess we just have to accept it.

Rich

I quite like the arrival of new words and phrases in our evolving language, even if some sound clunky. I suspect the most valuable persist and we fail to notice those that mercifully fade from use.

It is the creeping invasion of 'Microsoft English' that brings out the curmudgeon in me. My secretary has realized she must not sneak in any 'z''s where 's' should be for example.


Bruce

quote:

I'm not sure who the custodians of our language are either.

It's a shame that you don't, because I was deliberately trying to avoid the issue of class and privileged education. It may not seem immediately obvious, but the class system still exists and maintains the status quo whatever we may try to do otherwise. In the context of our language and other general heritage, it’s probably not a bad thing; I accept that.
Being a failed 11+ oik myself, sent to the worst secondary-modern on the council estate, I see this from the other side of the fence, but I see it nonetheless (probably inaccurately).
As far as the demise of “BBC English” is concerned, it was a false, stilted, arrogant language that alienated and patronised. I’m not suggesting we go as far as Channel 4 language though!

quote:

It is the creeping invasion of 'Microsoft English' that brings out the curmudgeon in me. My secretary has realized she must not sneak in any 'z''s where 's' should be for example.

Are you referring to the -ise versus -ize question? If so, then -ize is the older British English version that was adopted into American usage. British English is still drifting toward the use of -ise. The OED and The Times use -ize, and as a traditionalist, so do I.

quote:

Originally posted by chiba:
If so, then -ize is the older British English version that was adopted into American usage.

Which is why we don't like it. Origins have nothing to do with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Rasher:

quote:

Originally posted by chiba:
If so, then -ize is the older British English version that was adopted into American usage.

Which is why we don't like it. Origins have nothing to do with it.

The origin of the -ize ending is from the Greek, so it must be the British version. Greek cast-offs are as British as the king of England!

We're British, it's how we deal with these things. It's tradition.

quote:

Are you referring to the -ise versus -ize question? If so, then -ize is the older British English version that was adopted into American usage. British English is still drifting toward the use of -ise. The OED and The Times use -ize, and as a traditionalist, so do I.

Well there you go.

Practice/practise?

I generally like the introduction of new words if they convey a concept concisely. My current fave is Amy Winehouse's "what kind of fuckery is this?".

Good one Doc!

I often think what a nightmare it must be to learn English as a foreign language. There are almost more exceptions than there are rules. Add in the Microsoft effect and the gap between the versions used on either side of the Atlantic and the task becomes even more complex. My hat off to all those who post here so well in other than their native tongue.

Is there any worse word than "winningest" so beloved by American sports commentators. Brings to mind a far better new word..fucktards.

My favourite is 'growler'; it appears to mean both an unattractive young woman and a hot meat pie!

quote:

English will continue to evolve and the demise of "BBC English" probably isn't such a bad thing anyway, if that is what you are concerned about...

I think you mistake "received pronunciation" which does exist for "BBC English" which does not.

Nice one Doc!

I like twankunt. A handy amalgamation of three words to describe someone such as Jeffrey Archer.

quote:

Practice/practise?

Noun/verb?

I think the Americans tend to practice mostly but license everything else. Most confusing.

Paul

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
My favourite is 'growler'; it appears to mean both an unattractive young woman and a hot meat pie!

Do you get the Yorkshire Post on Saturday? They are running an A-Z of Yorkshire and last week (Sat 16th) was 'G'. Growler was included as a vernacular expression for Pork Pie. (don't let PB see this or we'll have another pie thread on our hands!)

I loathe prioritise/prioritize.

Dost thou not protest too much!
Any language worth the name is a moving target.

For me, the most insidious things are not to do with vocabulary oreven the verbalisation of nouns (sic) but the awful, seemingly unstoppable march of business/management speak and the resistable rise of the grocer's apostrophe. Why the fug can't people use this simple little thing properly.

The other Thing that really Annoys Me are people who insist on Capitalising Random Words. That really gets my Goat.

K

....and apostrophes....well they're just complete fuckery....

Regards,

Willy.

From the dept. of apt quotes: "Verbing weirds Language" from Calvin and Hobbes.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevin-W:

The other Thing that really Annoys Me are people who insist on Capitalising Random Words. That really gets my Goat.

K

kevin, i find that a little grating, too -- but hopefully you're not too put off by those who never capitalize/ise!

one of my favorite places to find Really Bad English is in real estate ads.

good thread. but i have a solution - language does evolve, and, like sausage, its creation is not pretty. solution: mandatory bill shakespeare classes in all english-speaking schools.