Among ourselves, we passionately discuss the inane errors that regularly find their way into print. We enthusiastically debate whether media consumers are oblivious, complacent, or just too lazy to demand accuracy. We “tweet” one another links to glaring grammar gaffes, upload to “flickr” photos of misspelled billboard messages, and post to “facebook” examples of problematic punctuation. We are alternately amused and dismayed by the rampant incompetence of advertising agencies, communications directors, and reputable publishers. We have plenty to say!

This weblog will collect and critique public language blunders, so grab your virtual red pen and join the conversation:

22 January 2011

Common sense is an oxymoron, you butt head

So are these:
  • act naturally
  • advanced BASIC
  • almost exactly
  • alone together
  • authentically reproduced
  • canned/frozen fresh
  • center around
  • clearly misunderstood
  • click "start" to shut down  
  • constant change
  • crash landing
  • deafening silence
  • decreased growth
  • definite maybe
  • even odds
  • exact estimate
  • first annual (one of my pet peeves)
  • found missing/turned up missing
  • free trade
  • freezer burn
  • go ahead/back up
  • good grief
  • government organization
  • Great Depression
  • Hell’s Angels
  • holy war
  • hot chili
  • jumbo shrimp
  • larger half
  • last initial
  • little giant
  • living dead
  • long shorts
  • military intelligence
  • near miss
  • old news
  • one of the only
  • original copy
  • passive aggressive
  • peace force
  • peacekeeper missile
  • plastic glasses
  • political science
  • pretty ugly
  • resident alien
  • rolling stop
  • same difference
  • sanitary landfill
  • seriously funny
  • silent alarm
  • small crowd
  • soft rock
  • student teacher  
  • sweet tart
  • synthetic natural gas
  • taped live
  • temporary tax increase
  • terribly pleased
  • tight slacks
  • to infinity and beyond
  • unbiased opinion
  • virtual reality
  • working vacation

5 comments:

  1. You know, if you weren't so thorough, we'd be able to add to your lists.

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  2. I'm both frightened and shocked about how many of these I actually use in day to day conversation.

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  3. Very cool list. The way we use language is so interesting.

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  4. Becky, I sure can tell you are English teacher . . . and I am visualizing that red pen going to work on a student's essay. I'm going to be nervous when you read anything of mine!

    ReplyDelete