Linguistic pedants of the world unite

by **zabird** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:11 pm

Kounelaki wrote:The Typo Eradication Advancement League are travelling America to correct the nation's misspelt signs: a truly heroic mission
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/and ... unite.html

Funny! Sounds like a continuation of "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" :razz:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eats,_Shoots_&_Leaves

by **moondance** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:13 pm

I grew up reading so many British novels and short stories that I thought colour was supposed to be spelled that way. I had a teacher who would correct all that stuff when I'd write! She thought that I didn't know how to spell.
I always write gray and was told it was "grey" and I insisted it could be spelled both ways.
British stories were always so interesting and colourful! When a car would pull up to a kerb and it's tyre would fall off and the bloke would put it into the boot. So charming!

by **insanejane** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:35 pm

JackT wrote:FYI, systematic efforts to standardize English spelling began over a hundred years after The Pilgrims. In both countries.

Damn, you ruined my theory, Jack! I always thought the occupying, non-native Americans sat around deliberately changing the spelling of the words from their old country as a form of rebellion! :confused:

And no, it wasn't an office temp STD or Bulldog bite! :lol:

by **JackT** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:11 pm

moondance wrote:When a car would pull up to a kerb and it's tyre would fall off and the bloke would put it into the boot. So charming!

Was this Chaucer you were reading?

by **watercolors** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:49 pm

tonywojo wrote:
There was a great thread on the other forum where one of the Muricans gave their view of the hilarity of some English signs.

Please bear in mind that shock tactics are employed on signs including slang and poor grammar to get people to read them in the first place.

Eg.

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
"Drop your trousers here for best results."

In a Paris hotel elevator:
"Please leave your values at the front desk."

in the spirit here: