Inflammable vs. flammable

[Gene Kim-Eng]

A dictionary can serve two functions.  One is to help the reader understand
the probable intended meaning of something that is being used as a word.
The other is to help a writer use correct (i.e., "proper") words.  As long
as the dictionary correctly flags "improper" words ("dialectical speech,"
"colloq," "nonstandard," etc.), and the user is paying attention to the 
flags,
everything works fine.  You just can't assume that something is a "proper"
word merely because it's in the dictionary...except, perhaps, when you're
losing at Scrabble.

Gene Kim-Eng


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tariel, Lauren R" <lt34 at saclink.csus.edu>
> I'm starting to lose faith in M-W because of its acceptance of improper 
> terms.