A special message for language pedants (AKA Grammar Nazis).
By
Agonus,
Posted on: 2010-10-28 07:19 in Comic and Hero-Villain Culture
Let's also add "huge font" to the list in my previous post. Or more accurately, using a different font - be it size, color, typeface, or some combination of these - than everyone else.
@Quasadu
"We must prepare for DOOM and hope for FREEM." - SirFrederick
Quote:
I take it this one's directed at me and others like me.|
Originally Posted by Quasadu
Let's also add "huge font" to the list in my previous post. Or more accurately, using a different font - be it size, color, typeface, or some combination of these - than everyone else.
|
As I said, I do most of my large pieces in Word. In word I use Arial because I find its readability easier on my eyes than, say, Times New Roman.
I'm still getting used to the new boards (yes, 6 1/2 years and only six hundred twenty some odd posts). The old ones would strip all my formatting when I copied things. The new ones, not so much. Though I did try to make the size as close to the others as possible. I only just now saw that "Remove Text Formatting" button there, and have since corrected the two posts so as to be "one of us."
Whist I have mine own pet peeves, I do try not to be others'.
I agree with Stephen Fry!
Shut up already about the "Five items or less." It's annoying. 
BrandX Future Staff Fighter
The BrandX Collection
Quote:
Yeah it was - I appreciate the change and your explanation makes sense. No offense meant. |
Originally Posted by Samothrake
I take it this one's directed at me and others like me.
As I said, I do most of my large pieces in Word. In word I use Arial because I find its readability easier on my eyes than, say, Times New Roman. I'm still getting used to the new boards (yes, 6 1/2 years and only six hundred twenty some odd posts). The old ones would strip all my formatting when I copied things. The new ones, not so much. Though I did try to make the size as close to the others as possible. I only just now saw that "Remove Text Formatting" button there, and have since corrected the two posts so as to be "one of us." Whist I have mine own pet peeves, I do try not to be others'. |
I also want to point out that I have no problem with using different fonts, colors, etc. within a post when there is a purpose for it. For example, guides that use different colors or fonts for headers; bolding or color for emphasis; etc. As long as it is used consistently and not excessively, and where it makes sense, then that's great.
@Quasadu
"We must prepare for DOOM and hope for FREEM." - SirFrederick
When watching/reading the video, did anyone else have V's first speech to Evie run through their heads?
BrandX Future Staff Fighter
The BrandX Collection
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by RemusShepherd
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Since I *hope* someone would correct me if I make a serious grammar mistake, I don't have a problem correcting the serious mistakes of others. If this makes me a grammar nazi, then I'm ready for my armband, Mr. Goebbels. Minor mistakes, like typos or the occasional mispelled word, I let slide. I write most of my posts at work and I have to be fast or some boss will catch me. I expect everyone else is in a similar situation, so we'll all fat-finger a key once in a while. |
I accually kind of get a kick out of people "proofing" my work for me, even if they are being meanspirited about it. Haven't really ran into any real bad grammer nazi's on these boards, which IMO is shows what a friendly little community we have.
I know i can't spell well. I know i'm rushing and typically will make little typos on top of my bad spelling. I know i can sound like i'm from a different country and english is my 2nd language. (i've had people ask...) I know most of this could be rectfied if i'd put a little more work into my posts. But i don't, and relise that leaves me a wide open target. I'm ok with that. I've always been a bit of an alph dork, and got ribbed for it ALOT in my Jr. Highschool days. I suppose some would call it "bullying", but, eh, i developed very thick skin and learn to, both like the person I am, but also not take myself to seriously in the process.
Some people can be really witty with there remarks and potshots at me. They make me laugh, so how can i feel bad about it?? LOL
@KingSnake - Triumph Server
@PrinceSnake
My common sense is tingling... ~ Deadpool
If you can't learn to do something well... learn to enjoy doing it poorly...
I find this thread both shallow AND pedantic...
Shallow AND pedantic...
*nods*
Quote:
I don't expect people in-game to use complete sentences or full words, because in there, there is a limit per message on how much you can say, and people generally understand what things like PI or LGTF means. I was really referring to message boards, and other places where time and space are not as much a concern.
| Both true.. and yet, not if taken in-game. |
Loose --> not tight.
Lose --> Did not win, misplace, cannot find, subtract.
One extra 'o' makes a big difference.
Quote:
My favourite is people who use texting abbreviations while talking.|
Originally Posted by Lothic
Everything's relative. To me over-reactive grammar Nazis annoy me just as much as people who think it's appropriate to use texting abbreviations in any written language situation.
|
"lol"
"Did you just say 'lol'?"
"Yeah, it means 'laugh out loud'."
"Why didn't you just laugh out loud?"
"I forgot how."
They ALL float down here. When you're down here with us, you'll float too!
@Starflier
Quote:
Shadantic! Ka-pow!
|
Originally Posted by Dark One
I find this thread both shallow AND pedantic...
Shallow AND pedantic... *nods* |
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
Okay, now you're just trying to make my head asplode.
|
Originally Posted by KingSnake
I accually kind of get a kick out of people "proofing" my work for me, even if they are being meanspirited about it. Haven't really ran into any real bad grammer nazi's on these boards, which IMO is shows what a friendly little community we have.
I know i can't spell well. I know i'm rushing and typically will make little typos on top of my bad spelling. I know i can sound like i'm from a different country and english is my 2nd language. (i've had people ask...) I know most of this could be rectfied if i'd put a little more work into my posts. But i don't, and relise that leaves me a wide open target. I'm ok with that. I've always been a bit of an alph dork, and got ribbed for it ALOT in my Jr. Highschool days. I suppose some would call it "bullying", but, eh, i developed very thick skin and learn to, both like the person I am, but also not take myself to seriously in the process. Some people can be really witty with there remarks and potshots at me. They make me laugh, so how can i feel bad about it?? LOL |
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
I always hear my 9th grade English teacher's voice in my head when I write "over" when it ought to be "more than."
|
Originally Posted by BrandX
I agree with Stephen Fry!
Shut up already about the "Five items or less." It's annoying. |
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
I want to have your babies.
|
Originally Posted by Samothrake
I think I shall leave it at that. Tis quite long enough now
Now why do I get the feeling someone is going to TLDR me?... |
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
Asplode?... ASPLODE ?|
Originally Posted by Ironik
Okay, now you're just trying to make my head asplode.
|
*scowls..
*Looks it up in a dictionary to no avail.
*Looks it up on dictionary.com to no avail.
Trys being all trendy and looks it up on urbandictionary.com: -
Ahh I see !, explode !.
Carry on.
Quote:
Heh. Few years back... on a board... can't recall which one it was... SWG's i think... my fav comment i got on my spelling was from a guy who says he was an english teacher. He told me I made him cry and question his lot in life. |
Originally Posted by Ironik
Okay, now you're just trying to make my head asplode.
|
(if he really was a teacher or not, who can say, it is the interwebs after all. )
@KingSnake - Triumph Server
@PrinceSnake
My common sense is tingling... ~ Deadpool
If you can't learn to do something well... learn to enjoy doing it poorly...
No matter what Stephen Fry says, of will never be a suitable replacement for 've.
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart's the memory
And there you'll always be
-- The Fox and the Hound
Quote:
I, uh, enjoy misspellings. I actually collect them. |
Originally Posted by KingSnake
my fav comment i got on my spelling was from a guy who says he was an english teacher. He told me I made him cry and question his lot in life.
|
Here's a sample:
abule (able)
accloid (accolade)
acocunt (account)
actully (actually)
acutlaya (actually)
afishial (official)
anciaty (anxiety)
aowed (allowed)
aparneltay (apparently)
apendite (appendage)
apitamy (epitome)
apporpioat (appropriate)
aseuqaly (equally)
aspectics (aspects)
astornotes (astronaughts)
Usually I can tell what a word is supposed to be by the context in which it is used. Every once in a while I get some that defy all attempts at translation:
nacline (???)
nonsesleive (???)
surcoise (???)
Quote:
lol?
|
Originally Posted by lothic
everything's relative. To me over-reactive grammar nazis annoy me just as much as people who think it's appropriate to use texting abbreviations in any written language situation.
|
Quote:
Pedants can be fun, too. |
Originally Posted by Mothers_Love
Asplode?... ASPLODE ?
*scowls.. *Looks it up in a dictionary to no avail. *Looks it up on dictionary.com to no avail. Trys being all trendy and looks it up on urbandictionary.com: - Ahh I see !, explode !. Carry on. |
Besides, I already know all the real words.
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
Dagnabbit, don't you force me to make a list, too!|
Originally Posted by Flarstux
I, uh, enjoy misspellings. I actually collect them.
Here's a sample: abule (able) accloid (accolade) acocunt (account) actully (actually) acutlaya (actually) afishial (official) anciaty (anxiety) aowed (allowed) aparneltay (apparently) apendite (appendage) apitamy (epitome) apporpioat (appropriate) aseuqaly (equally) aspectics (aspects) astornotes (astronaughts) Usually I can tell what a word is supposed to be by the context in which it is used. Every once in a while I get some that defy all attempts at translation: nacline (???) nonsesleive (???) surcoise (???) |
The last three might be for new drugs we see on commercials during Jeopardy.
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
Years ago (like 25) I saw a commercial for one of those grab-bag albums from someplace like Ronco or K-tel and one of the songs listed was J. Geils "Must Of Got Lost." Arg.|
Originally Posted by Tenzhi
No matter what Stephen Fry says, of will never be a suitable replacement for 've.
|
The thing that bugs me ever so quite a little bit is using apostrophes when making a word plural. No apostrophe in plurals, people. Ever.
Lack of capitalization and punctuation kills me, too. It's really not that hard to hit the Shift key. Honestly. And throw a period in there every once in a while. I'd rather see an overuse of commas rather than nothing at all.
Oh yeah -- it's "different FROM" not "different THAN."
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
This is the link to BBC's iplayer and the 'Freak like me' programme I mentioned.
Dan (23) the language pedant is at 14:25 onwards.
BBC iplayer programmes are free to watch / download for a month after their 1st terrestrial broadcasting. May or may not work for some of you in the U.S though.
Quote:
iPlayer is UK only (you gits)|
Originally Posted by Mothers_Love
This is the link to BBC's iplayer and the 'Freak like me' programme I mentioned.
Dan (23) the language pedant is at 14:25 onwards. BBC iplayer programmes are free to watch / download for a month after their 1st terrestrial broadcasting. May or may not work for some of you in the U.S though. |
Although in my case I think it's actually RTEs fault I can't get it here (unless I use FoxyProxy of course...). They can't be having with people being able to watch Eastenders across d'interwebs, they have to have some barebones reason for charging us a License Fee over here even though most people pay and watch the UK channels via cable.
I'm an excellent writer and know most of the rules of languages, definitions of words, and how to make most of what I say accurate grammatically, but why do so? More often than not someone is going to misunderstand you, not know the definition of a word, or think the the structure of a sentence is wrong because it's outside the normal structure that most of the English speaking world uses even though it is not the only structure acceptable. We learn that at very young age, forced to take classes to understand our own language and the rules that it has I find it quite funny that a person who says, "English, correctly you do not speak," is thought to have spoken wrongly when it is proper and those grammar people will try to correct this, but not once have I ever seen one correct someone for not apostrophizing shortened and concatenated words incorrectly, such as the word "blooming" shortened to "bloomin'." Perhaps we as a people view that shortening a word one letter by adding another symbol is kinda silly.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Since I *hope* someone would correct me if I make a serious grammar mistake, I don't have a problem correcting the serious mistakes of others. If this makes me a grammar nazi, then I'm ready for my armband, Mr. Goebbels.
Minor mistakes, like typos or the occasional mispelled word, I let slide. I write most of my posts at work and I have to be fast or some boss will catch me. I expect everyone else is in a similar situation, so we'll all fat-finger a key once in a while.
...
New Webcomic -- Genocide Man
Life is funny. Death is funnier. Mass slaughter can be hilarious.