1. What is your language pet peeve. (example 'hot water heater', why would you heat hot water)
Most of my language pet peeves have to do with written language. Take, for example, blogging. If I land on a blog that uses text messaging as a language, I'll NEVER go back to visit. Run all of your paragraphs together? Not even close to using proper grammar and sentence structure? I'm not reading - sorry! Now I do make exceptions for literary style, but I better be able to tell that you are actually using a style. Maybe
Yes, I do realize that my own writing needs some work. I'm in no way a great writer, but most days I can put together a cohesive thought.
2. What is your favorite word? Both dirty and clean?
Hmmmm ... there is nothing like a good FUCK - literally and as a dirty word *giggle* It works just as well when saying, "Fuck you!" as it does when saying, "You stupid fuck!" It's quite versatile.
Clean words? Well, pomegranate, onomatopoeia and chortle come to mind. One of my favorite sections of Reader's Digest (yes, I read it - I'm old - it's authorized) is the "Word Power" feature. I find words to be quite fascinating.
3. What is the one word you cannot spell?
Definately ... or definitely if you want me to spell it correctly. I'll use certainly just so that I don't have to think about how to spell definitely! I am actually a TERRIBLE speller and anyone who IM's me will confirm that. Spell check has just made me even more lazy.
4. What is the one word you always pronounce wrong?
Substantive. I always want to say "substantiative" Husband always says "anather" (another) and preventative (preventive) and it drives me BONKERS!
5. If you could erase one popular catchphrase from the English language, what would it be?
EGADS! Seems there are so many ...
Moving forward, incentivising, value-added, outside-the-box, let's take this offline - yes, they are all corporate catchphrases and I could keep listing them if you'd like.
[Edit] I almost forgot "Dude." I am not your "dude." I have a name and if you've forgotten it I'll be happy to help you out!
Bonus (as in optional): The late, and very hot Michael Hutchence (INXS) once sang, "Words are weapons, sharper than knives" . What is the most hurtful thing you have ever said to anyone? Was it deliberate or accidental? What was the most hurtful thing ever said to you? Do you think it was deliberate or accidental?
I have no doubt that I have said some hurtful things to others, and sometimes (infrequently) I mean to do exactly that. More often, I say things that hurt others because I refuse to say things just to be nice (I will make an occasion exception). I've resisted the "If you can't say anything nice ..." thought process - I think it just makes us a bunch of passive-aggressive pansies.
I grew up in a house full of hurtful words. In fact, when my dad was drunk, and I knew abuse was coming, I always hoped he would just hit me and be done with it. Bruises and cuts healed - words never did. Unfortunately, that wasn't usually what happened. His favorite? "You'd be so pretty if you weren't so fat." It still plays in my head every day.
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