A plain language guide to grammar, punctuation and writing well
I don’t often throw things at the radio when BBC journo Nick Robinson is on – but missiles were launched this morning (including a complaint via email) when he described a dead female refugee as ‘beautiful’. What?? Here’s what he said on the BBC’s flagship news programme: “The photograph of a beautiful young woman stares… Continue reading A beautiful dead woman
That noise is an alarm going off. The Wordwatch Towers butler just checked and has confirmed it’s the ‘women being undermined via descriptions of the animal kingdom to avoid accusations of blatant sexism’ alarm. Thought so.
Due to reasons beyond its control (not really), the Wordwatch Towers board hasn't distributed any prizes for some time. However, I can now officially announce that the butler is, as I speak, polishing a recently purchased award-thingy-Oscar-type-object to be presented to the overall winner of Best Euphemism 2011.
Ephraim Hardcastle, writing in the Mail newspaper, displays a rare ability to combine side-splitting Wildean wit with a genuine concern for public safety shared by all right-thinking people:
Meanwhile, security at Friday's royal wedding is being overseen by blonde bombshell Commander Christine Jones. Help!
Is it only me who’s finding the Mail‘s coverage of this story about sexism among highly paid sports commentators (knock me down with a feather) more interesting than the story itself (and definitely funnier)?
Female linesman? Shouldn't that just be 'lineswoman'? Or am I getting a tad over-ambitious on the gender accuracy front?
I'm looking for a word that describes a dirty, unkempt or unfashionably dressed man.
It’s a tough one. The only word I can think of is ‘slob’ which is not male-specific.
OK, I give up, so let’s do something quick and easy instead: we’ll find some female-specific terms of abuse. That’s a much faster job and we’ll get to drink tea and eat cake all the sooner.
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