The Importance of Hyphens

Lest anyone dismiss the importance of hyphens, we submit this headline from the Associated Press:

Wis. cops capture diaper-wearing monkey

Had the copy editor neglected to include the hyphen, police would have been searching for a diaper wearing a monkey. As little sense as a diapered monkey wandering the streets of Wisconsin makes, a diaper on the lam would be even more senseless.

Here's to the hyphen, and to people who keep their monkeys safely on leashes.