This Week in Shameless Commerce

Danielle M. wrote to let us know a company has invented the sarcasm mark, and for a mere $1.99, you can let your readers know you're being sarcastic. Wow. That's the greatest idea in the history of the world. Genius. We love it. Sort of in the same way we love that last sip of soda from a warm can.

Here's a link to the news item about it.

To us, it looks like an ear or maybe a grossly malformed navel. What's it look like to you? Do tell. Sarcastically, if you can.

We Don't Really Get It

Three journalists have contacted us so far asking for SPOGG's opinion on how we pronounce the year we're currently enjoying. Is it twenty-ten? Or two-thousand-ten?

Here's our stock answer:

It doesn't matter.

We said nineteen-eighty and no one thought twice about it, though we probably should have thought twice about the shoulder pads and auto-tinting glasses. So twenty-ten is just fine. We also said "The Year 2000" (insert ominous sound effects), so calling it two-thousand ten isn't going to confuse anyone. And that's really the point of thinking about language and what we call things. Is our meaning clear? Then huzzah!

Anyone who does get in a kerfluffle over this could probably use a hobby. Still, the debate is better than the one about whether 2000 or 2001 was the first year of the millennium.

And now, we'd like to toss the issue to the fray. Is there something we're missing? Why do people care about this? Is there some point of clarity, elegance, wit, and/or style that can be achieved by sticking with one over the other? Do tell.

*Note...Blogger isn't letting SPOGG post comments today, but we wanted to respond to the "kerfluffle" kerfuffle in the comments. The word appears both ways in various dictionaries. According to the OED, it was originally "kafuffle" and has appeared as "kuffufle." We like to think of it as the sound effect made by scuffling feet in a fight. The spelling depends on the shoes you're wearing.

Ah, January...Time To Be Confused About Dates

We don't know about you, but the checks we've written since the new year all say 200910. This isn't the only way to mess up a date, as Linnea D. has reminded us. She found this goof on a word-nerd blog:

“Originally, ‘blizzard’ involved no snow, wind chill, or wintry conditions at all. The Oxford English Dictionary records it as an early 18th century word for a sharp, violent blow, first found in 1829.”

Linnea writes: "Oops! The 18th century and the 1800s do not refer to the same era, Mark! He should have written 'an early 19th century word,' as the OED actually states."

True enough. It's an easy mistake to make. We hereby resolve to be more careful.

The World's Worst Cold Remedy

We think the author of this sentence is using a special keyboard, where the "w" and "c" are right next to each other. Otherwise, there's no explaining typing "crap" instead of "wrap"--unless, of course, he hates old people and really does think they should keep warm inside a nest of their own poop.

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar

We've long been fans of this Facebook group, started by the delightful Sharon Eliza Nichols. Now, there's a book that collects all the hilarity of the bad grammar on signs, notes, and even baby bibs.

It's called--of course--I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar. Do check it out, and report back to us with your favorite error. We really like the one that says NO ACOHOL BEYOND THIS POINT. To us, it sounds like one drink too many, already.

Friday Sign of the Apocalypse: Chuck E. Jeez

Close, but no cigar. This should simply be "get closer." Let that be a lesson to us all. Chuck E. Cheese, where this photo was taken, is a hazard to your grammar.


Thanks to Ashleigh W. for the photo.

Things That Make Us [Sic]: A Review

From a recent review of our book:

If you’re looking for a down and dirty grammar guide to help you remember when to use “lie” vs. “lay” and “affect” vs. “effect,” this book is just the thing. And if you’re too well-versed in grammar to ever “lay in the sun” or “lie your keys on the counter,” then you’re probably a grammar geek like me, and this book will give you fits of laughter and make you want to pump your fist in the air while shouting, “Yes! Exactly!”

Read the whole thing here. And, if you're buying a copy and would like a personalized bookplate, contact us: info AT spogg.org.

Friday Sign of the Apocalypse: Bingo Edition

Back when we were in elementary school, we played Bingo at a friend's birthday party. Her father pulled B4 out of the hopper and said, "B4. Before what?" For many years, we laughed and laughed at his wit.

It's not funny anymore. B4 digging in? Augh!


Thanks to Kelly for the photo.

No Clemency for This Malapropism

Aimee D-Z sent this along from an invitation she received for a networking luncheon:

REFER BELOW: CANCELLATION NOTICE DUE TO IN-CLIMATE WEATHER.

The weather is sort of in the climate, so we understand where this goof comes from, but the word this host wanted was "inclement."

Tee-hee!

Friday Sign of the Apocalypse: Apostrophe Catastrophe Edition

Once more, with feeling: When you're making plurals, you don't need apostrophes.


Thanks to Rachel A. for the lovely photo.