The Pedant's Revolt

[kerrensimmonds]

Thank you Annie - yes the word 'too' was definitely implied if not articulated......

[mvgrogan]

"incredibly nice" - either it's incredible or it's just nice!!

[Fjgrogan]

perhaps in this crass age it is just too much to believe that anyone could be genuinely nice, therefore to be nice is incredible!

[Angela Woodford]

"incredibly nice" - either it's incredible or it's just nice!!

Nicer than one had believed possible! Happens all the time! OK by me.

Would you rule out quite nice, fairly nice (Miss Jukes in a good mood), not very nice (Miss Jukes in a bad mood), really really nice, extra nice....?

Adorably nice! (Dear Mrs Betterton, all the time.)

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Yes "Qualified Absolutes" also infuriate me. Courtesy of Mr Malins (English CH 1945)
"Unbelievable" --- rarely used in respect of something which cannot be believed !

[Angela Woodford]

Would you explain this "qualified absolutes" thing, please NEILL?

I've never heard of it - or rather, them!

[Fjgrogan]

An example, Angela - the word 'unique' is an absolute; something is either unique or it isn't; it cannot be qualified by saying it is a little bit unique. Similarly you cannot be slightly dead, or a bit pregnant. I think that is what Neill is getting at, and what I meant earlier. However I am not properly awake yet, so I may be talking a load of rubbish - nothing new there then!? I don't really do joined-up thinking on a Wednesday - it is Wednesday, isn't it? - especially before a trip to Ikea.

[sejintenej]

An example, Angela - the word 'unique' is an absolute; something is either unique or it isn't; it cannot be qualified by saying it is a little bit unique. Similarly you cannot be slightly dead, or a bit pregnant. I think that is what Neill is getting at, and what I meant earlier. However I am not properly awake yet, so I may be talking a load of rubbish - nothing new there then!? I don't really do joined-up thinking on a Wednesday - it is Wednesday, isn't it? - especially before a trip to Ikea.

Whilst I understand where you are coming from I think your example of "dead" doesn't always work; someone/something can be almost/nearly dead meaning that although technicaly still alive such life is about to disappear.
Nice, by contrast can be, for example, comparative; he is comparatively nice compared to .......(which can then be qualified by saying that he is still a pain in the ****). I can't find fault with your reference to pregnancy - might be interesting to see if someone can demonstrate that I am wrong (again )

[Angela Woodford]

A trip to IKEA! I have read that the Billy Bookcase is 30 years old and have just begun negotiations to get another one. The most useful flatpack of all time... You have reminded me!

This "absolutes" thing. I think like this all the time! I have been causing others distress!

Think of niceness. There are many different variations of niceness. I don't think anyone or anything can be completely nice... If I say, in a particular tone "hmm, quite nice" I convey a certain ambivalence that might be tactful at the time.

I can certainly claim, whilst being sick at eight weeks, to have stated that I was a bit pregnant. I hate to say that I have nursed patients who were a bit dead as well! (Of course I would never state that opinion at the bedside!)

I don't think I can change now. It would be slightly difficult.

[englishangel]

We all know what Angela means, you only have to look at her signature.

"A LITTLE sea-bathing...", no such thing.

[Angela Woodford]

Very funny, Mary! I always like that line from Mrs Bennet.

On one occasion, I put on my Union Jack bikini, tottered over the shingle to the water's edge and waded, screaming, into the water. I splashed bravely for the sake of appearances, accidentally gulped a horrid mouthful of sea water, then waded out. I was so cold. My extremities had turned an unpleasant mottled mauve. Definitely a little sea-bathe!

However, once dried-and dressed I took on that virtuous glow of being set up forever!

Until there is warm weather, I'm slightly reluctant to repeat the experience. Whoops, there I go again!

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Thank you Frances --- for putting the matter, perfectly !

The argument now, seems to be "What is an Absolute " ?

[sejintenej]

Thank you Frances --- for putting the matter, perfectly !

The argument now, seems to be "What is an Absolute " ?

Lose the last "e" and you'll think it is a delight

[mvgrogan]

On one occasion, I put on my Union Jack bikini, tottered over the shingle to the water's edge and waded, screaming, into the water. I splashed bravely for the sake of appearances, accidentally gulped a horrid mouthful of sea water, then waded out. I was so cold. My extremities had turned an unpleasant mottled mauve. Definitely a little sea-bathe!

As this is "Pedant's" - shouldn't that be Union Flag bikini? Unless you were flying yourself from the jack of a ship

[Angela Woodford]

I've just sought some military advice from a man who says he knows.

"Union Jack bikini" is acceptible from a colloquial point of view, that is, if one is a bikini wearer or manufacturer, he says.

But a military purist would refer to the "Union Flag"! Loringa, where are you. Please?

I think if I were flaunting myself in the bikini, I'd choose the bow of the ship! Kind of, like, y'know, Titanic!