Almost everyone uses language, so inevitably almost everyone thinks they are an expert in it. I don’t consider myself an expert, though most of my work requires at least language competence and sometimes actual skill, but I do follow the blogs featured on this feeds page.
(If you are wondering where the translation-related feeds have all gone, I have put them on their own page.)
Most of the blogs represented here are in English, most of the time, but don’t be surprised to find other languages used. Go with the flow – I occasionally find myself pleasantly surprised at how much I can grasp in languages I have never seen before.
Language On the Net
Omniglot blog » Pass the funny dingdong
If someone asked you to “pass the funny dingdong”, would you know what they wanted? With the context that you are watching TV, you might have a better idea what they wanted. According to Fry’s English Delight, a programme about language on BBC Radio Four, funny dingdong is one of the many ways of referring to the TV remote control. … [Link]
Language Log » Behind "The Humble Petition of WHO and WHICH"
A few days ago, I reprinted Richard Steele's "The Humble Petition of WHO and WHICH", where he voices their complaint that "We are descended of ancient families, and kept up our dignity and honour many years, till the jack-sprat THAT supplanted us". This item appeared in The Spectator for May 30, 1711, and Joan Maling emailed me to ask what … [Link]
Language Log » More BS from George F. Will
George F. Will, "The havoc that Trump wreaks — on his own party", Washington Post 8/26/2015: Trump, who uses the first-person singular pronoun even more than the previous world-record holder (Obama), promises that constitutional arrangements need be no impediment to the leader’s savvy, “management” brilliance and iron will. As documented ad nauseam in earlier posts, Obama's rate of first-person singular … [Link]
Urban Word of the Day » Investment banger
n. someone who specialises in dating seemingly unattractive people that later blossom into fitties. "Did you see Dave's missus, she's a 9/10". "She used to be such a munter, though. He's such an investment banger."
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