Halloween approaches and scary things appear, not the least of which is scary holiday language. By scary I mean language that intends to frighten. Altho The Language Grinch is not opposed to holiday customs, and, in fact, goes forth in fine witch regalia on a faux...
The phrase “October’s bright blue weather” is used in one my favorite children’s books, The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes. This is a book about a poor little girl named Wanda who tries to fit in with her cruel and bullying classmates by telling them...
“What were you thinking?! You knew we needed this report to be filed! I told you a million times how important this is. Don’t you listen to anything I say! Now look at the mess you’ve caused- again!” This speech was delivered to Arminta by her...
Basil and Rose have just met and are having coffee together, presumably to get to know one another. Perhaps they are coworkers who have recently been put on the same team. Maybe this is a social outing. I am listening. Basil is speaking. And speaking. He...
Two things to think about today: favorite words, and hyperbole. Do you have a favorite word? It is probably the word you use to describe things you like, or want, or about which you have a positive feeling. You may have more than one favorite word,...
Standing in line at the Post Office I got to witness two versions of The Greeting Interaction. 1.) PO Person: “Good morning!” Customer: (looking at papers and juggling a bag) “Yeahhowyadoin?” The greeting part is now over- on to business. No smiling, no eye contact. Business is done...