Re: "Dissin" the English Language (was Re: Lying)

Subject: Re: "Dissin" the English Language (was Re: Lying)
From: "Accentuated Brandname Creativity, Inc." <acreatyv -at- SATURN -dot- NET>
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 15:36:09 -0500

Someone who disrespects Dawn for using "disrespect" as other than a noun:

> Can ANY word in the English language be used as a verb now?

Dawn, who has no need to explain, does so:

>Not to my knowledge. You might want to register your complaint with MS Word.
>I was in a mad rush last evening and relied on its spelling/grammar checker.
>Nice timesaver, huh? ;-)

The critic dissed the entire list by introducing such an off-topic thread
(which I hesitate to perpetuate).

The critic was mistaken as to the grammar: it's been used as both a verb and
a noun for nearly 400 years, as a verb somewhat earlier (according to one
source). *Many* words in the language have been used as both for years.
Show people respect, for 3 examples (want a 4th, or more?).

The critic was dead wrong to criticize another's use of the English language,
both because this list happens to be international (BTW there are variations
in what's considered standard even within the US) and because few breaches
of netiquette are as offensive.


Chuck Brandstater
acreatyv -at- saturn -dot- net

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