The Media Uses Incorrect Grammar...

[Ynhockey]

Well, these days even dictionaries add entries that would usually be considered false. The so-called modernization of languages.

From www.dictionary.com :

go off
1. To undergo detonation; explode.
2. To make a noise; sound: The siren went off at noon.
3. To leave: Don't go off mad.
4. Informal To adhere to the expected course of events or the expected plan: The project went off smoothly.

Same applies to many other words. E.g. the word Epicentre (Epicenter) means the point above the center of an earthquake, but since the word was used frequently for another use, the dictionary (namely www.dictionary.com) added:

ep·i·cen·ter ( P ) Pronunciation Key (p-sntr)
n.
...
2. A focal point: stood at the epicenter of the international crisis.

[j2k4]

Originally posted by Spindulik@24 March 2003 - 01:44
A few more "pet peeves of mine"

A near miss! Two planes almost collide into each other. WRONG! To me, a "Near Miss' is a direct hit. It should be stated as a "near hit".

I need to cool off, it is hot in here. Wrong! I need to "cool on", it is hot in here.

When on a high ladder, you need to tie off. Wrong, you need to "tie on"!

He always talks behind my back. Wrong, if he is talking behind your back, then he is really talking in front of you. Should be "talking in front of your back".

The siren just went off! Wrong! The siren just "went ON".

Barely Legal teens Wrong! Should be barely ILLEGAL Teens. The day before I was 18 years old, I was BARELY LEGAL (but still illegal).

-----Do you have any to add to the list?-----

Also-
How does something "turn up" missing?

[j2k4]

Originally posted by Ynhockey@24 March 2003 - 06:03
Well, these days even dictionaries add entries that would usually be considered false. The so-called modernization of languages.

From www.dictionary.com :

go off
1. To undergo detonation; explode.
2. To make a noise; sound: The siren went off at noon.
3. To leave: Don't go off mad.
4. Informal To adhere to the expected course of events or the expected plan: The project went off smoothly.

Same applies to many other words. E.g. the word Epicentre (Epicenter) means the point above the center of an earthquake, but since the word was used frequently for another use, the dictionary (namely www.dictionary.com) added:

ep·i·cen·ter ( P ) Pronunciation Key (p-sntr)
n.
...
2. A focal point: stood at the epicenter of the international crisis.

Yn-
You is smart!

Have you ever checked out Lederer on words/language/usage? Entertaining and informative-any of his books will do.

[dwightfry]

Originally posted by Spindulik@24 March 2003 - 01:44
A few more "pet peeves of mine"

A near miss! Two planes almost collide into each other. WRONG! To me, a "Near Miss' is a direct hit. It should be stated as a "near hit".

I need to cool off, it is hot in here. Wrong! I need to "cool on", it is hot in here.

When on a high ladder, you need to tie off. Wrong,  you need to "tie on"!

He always talks behind my back. Wrong, if he is talking behind your back, then he is really talking in front of you. Should be "talking in front of your back".

The siren just went off! Wrong! The siren just "went ON".

Barely Legal teens Wrong! Should be barely ILLEGAL Teens. The day before I was 18 years old, I was BARELY LEGAL (but still illegal).

-----Do you have any to add to the list?-----

1.) Near Miss -
Near: close
They missed, but it was close.
A Near (close) miss


2.) Cool Off -
Off: Letting 'off' heat, which cools you down
(That is probably how they got it, whether it's correct or not, I don't know)


3.) The sirens went off -
Sirens: the sound that is being emited, not the object which creates it.
Off: going from a source to somewhere else. (He rode off into the sunset)


4.) Barely Legal Teens -
Almost: Just about to reach a point
Barely: Passed the point by a small amount

If someone passes a test with a 60% (D-), they pass, but just barely (They barely passed it).
If someone is barely legal, they are 18, but just barely
If someone is 17 years old, and her birthday is tomarrow, then she would be almost legal, or barely illegal



I'm pretty sure 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

[SuperJude™]

The media is full of it, I'll tell you that. NY Post interviewed me and my buddy Steve at WTC and though it was a really moving article we didn't actually say most of the things they quoted, they were "paraphrased" statements and I learned a lot about the media telling you what they think you want to hear.



-SJ™

[mitchellbenn]

I am so glad to see others bothered by these things, as I am. Here are two:
"Quote unquote" with nothing between the two words!
"Epicenter" instead of "center." Epicenter should be used only in a discussion of earthquakes.

[Snee]

This thread hadn't been posted in for over three years, mang. Bumping threads like that is generally not the done thing.

Good points, even so.