We need to talk about the word "diffuse." People are using the word diffuse a lot lately, and they are all using it WRONG. I see it all the time. "Well, I wanted to diffuse the tension, so I told a joke." (It actually gave me physical pain to write that sentence.) According to good ol' Merriam-Webster, to diffuse something means to "permit or cause to spread freely." Think of it this way: why do you use a diffuser? You use a diffuser to spread a lovely aromatherapy oil into the air. Release … [Read more...]
WTF Words: It’s Hon, not Hun
Alternate title: Stop calling your sweetheart or friend a medieval terrorist I have a request. Can people stop using "Hun" to shorten "Honey"? What do you think, can we try that? I see it everywhere on Facebook. Someone posts a problem...someone reacts with “Hang in there, hun!” [sad emoji] Someone posts an event...someone reacts with “Can’t come to your event (boo!) but we’ve got to get together, hun!” Someone posts a selfie...someone reacts with “You look beautiful, … [Read more...]
WTF Words: Wary vs Weary
Some words are frequently mistaken in writing, and some are more frequently used incorrectly in speech. When this happens, I'm not sure if I heard the word being used incorrectly or if I'm just hearing it incorrectly. My brain wants it to be correct, so it automatically replaces the incorrect version and insists on the correct one. But I still feel like maybe something's a little off, so I have to ask the person talking to repeat the word, and then they look at me as if I am a toddler or … [Read more...]
WTF Words: Post-election Edition
Yes, I know...a few months ago, I promised you rants about misused words and phrases. And believe me, I have been ranting in my mind every time I see them. Just because it took me this long to get one up on the blog does not mean I have been ignoring it (or you, dear readers). I apologize for making you wait, from my heart and from my high school Latin class: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. To reward your patience, here is another WTF Word. This misused phrase has been driving … [Read more...]
WTF Words
English is not the easiest language, and it’s full of words that make English speakers and writers say “WTF?!” But nothing--nothing!-- makes writers and editors say “WTF?!” more than misused words and phrases. With the dawn of social media, everyone can publish their own content. Most of the time, I think this is a great thing. But once in a while (and sadly, it’s happening more often lately) I see phrases misused and I start to think maybe there should be a job for people who know language … [Read more...]