TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Wordsmithing From:Sherri Hall <shall -at- HILCO -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 6 Jan 1995 17:07:59 CST
Laura Johnson said:
> I don't know if "wordsmith" is widely used anywhere but here; I certainly
> don't think it's a real word.
Rick Lippincott added:
> I've heard that word used for about ten years now. I first encountered it (as
> nearly as I can recall) while working at an aerospace company. <stuff cut>
> Although, I must admit, the synonomous phrase "weasel wording" was a tad more
> popular.
I, too, heard the word about 10 years ago while working at an aerospace
company. Hmmmm. The speaker was bragging about my "talents" to
my boss. While I appreciate anyone who toots a horn for me, especially
in front of management, I'm
generally opposed to "wordsmithing" as a description of what I do
because it represents a small part of the value-added work I do.
--
Sherri Hall * "No passion in the world is equal to the passion
shall -at- hilco -dot- com * to alter someone else's draft." H.G. Wells
