BS: Use of the English language

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: DMcG
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 01:03 PM

The most advanced use of 'bracketing', though not true parenthesis, is in the Burton translation of 1001 Arabian nights. The structure is a story in which people tell stories. Within those stories people tell each other stories. And sometimes within those they will tell each other stories. So occasionally you will come across "- said the tailor" and you boggle for a while until you work out this is driloppong out of several levels of nesting and the tailor who is speaking started 200 pages ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: DMcG
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 01:05 PM

Dropping. No idea what driloppong is but it sounds fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: meself
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 02:54 PM

I think 'driloppong' is an Australian term meaning a small pond that has been created as the result of a drilling operation. Isn't it?

______________________

Now, what's this about 'gullible' being removed from the OED? I wasn't born yesterday, yuh know .....

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 02:57 PM

I hate to see one-word sentences. Avoid. And it really gets my goat when people words out of sentences.

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: leeneia
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 08:06 PM

I'm against extra syllables.

differential when different will do
reverential for reverent
definitive for definite
preventative for preventive

Definitive is a good word, but it refers to language which defines something, as in "the definitive study of the mountain gorilla." A definite answer is accurate. "There are 15 gorillas in this valley."

A differential is something at the back end of a car.

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Oct 17 - 08:46 PM

I agree with overwhelming wholeheartedness. I mean, why use long words when monosyllabic diminutive ones would be satisfyingly replete with sufficiency?

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Oct 17 - 03:20 AM

Indicate the route to my abode
I'm fatigued and I wish to seek repose
I had a little beverage sixty minutes ago
And it's gone right to my cranium
Wherever I may perambulate
Over land or sea or agitated water
You will always hear me vocalise this melody
Indicate the route to my abode

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: BobL
Date: 12 Oct 17 - 03:20 AM

Absolutely. Eschew obfuscation I say.

Subject: RE: BS: Use of the English language
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Oct 17 - 03:58 AM

😴