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Word Maven Patricia T. O’Conner

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Word maven Patricia T. O’Conner surveys euphemisms in the news, and takes your calls on the use and misuse of the English language. Call 212-433-9692.

Woe is I is available for purchase at amazon.com

Comments [9]

lucas from nyc

What is the difference between "that" and "which?" Is it as simple as the use of the comma?

Example:

1) I bought a sweater that is too small for me.
2) I bought a sweater, which is too small for me.

Apr. 18 2007 01:57 PM
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Monica from Hudon Valley, NY

I still haven't found a word to describe a romantic partner that both a gay or straight couple can use. I don't like saying "boyfriend" and don't plan to use "husband" because these words are gendered, old-fashioned and exclusive to one sector of society and don't reflect my 21st century values. "Partner" is not something that my significant other can use without it being confusing -- i.e. is he referring to a business partner, a dance partner or what not. And "significant other" is just long. Do you have any suggestions? Or is the Enlgish language impoverished when it comes to reflecting equality in love?

Thanks!

Apr. 18 2007 01:56 PM
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Yenoin Guibbory from Norwalk, CT 06854

I beg you clarify the confusion around "begging the question." Is it now both circular reasoning and a subsitute for posing or implying a question, and if so, does ignorance drive such changes?

Apr. 18 2007 01:55 PM
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David from brooklyn

I frequently hear the term "going forward" used in place of "in the future" by politicians, business people, coworkers and students. Have you noticed this? (e.g. "We should develop a plan for how to solve this problem going forward.") Is it a new trend or did I not notice it before.

Apr. 18 2007 01:55 PM
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Jason from queens

I have often been misunderstood for pronouncing the words ninety, eighty, seventy etc.. with a T rather than a D as most people do. Should we just give in and spell these words with a D? Ninedy?

Apr. 18 2007 01:52 PM
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Livia from New York

I love your show!
I am Italian and as I struggle to learn English I see more and more italian words becoming part of this language.
Sometime I dont' understand the american version versus the Italian one.
For example...Mano a mano...that in italian means little by little...like mano a mano that I grow up I understand more about life...
But I think in English is completely different.
Could you help me out?
Grazie!
Livia

Apr. 18 2007 01:50 PM
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Richard Sumner from Pomona, NY

The incorrect use of loose when the writer means lose. This is quite common. Is this a new 'valid ' use of loose?

Thanks

Apr. 18 2007 01:34 PM
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Bryan Hubabrd from Bound Brook NJ

It seems that the use of "the" when it preceeds a vowel being prounonced "thu" rather than "thee" is becoming more common. To someone who was raised saying for instance - the(e) earth is round - I find it strange and a little aggravating.
Enjoy your show Leonard, although I only catch it infrequently when driving.

Apr. 18 2007 01:14 PM
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Sam from astoria

I've heard a couple of times the word "incidences", seemingly a conflation of the almost-synonyms "incidents" and "instances". Is there a name for this particular type of linguistic invention? Any other funny examples?
thanks

Apr. 18 2007 12:56 PM
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