The Red Brick Times

"Founded in 1889, the American Dialect Society is dedicated to the study of the English language in North America, and of other languages, or dialects of other languages, influencing it or influenced by it. Our members include academics and amateurs, professionals and dilettantes, teachers and writers."

They do a cool thing called "Word of the Year". This years winner is "truthiness". The winners and nominees in various subcatagories are available in pdf form.
Posted 8:29 AM by whatley (6) comments

       Comments:

If you want a new word to succeed, don't use it to make a joke. Don't brag about it; better yet, don't even mention it. Just slip it in where it will seem natural and pass unnoticed.
—Allan Metcalf, American linguist, Predicting New Words, 2002
I was reading Russ' post about the American Dialect Society, went to the link, and saw their Executive Secretary's email was AAllan@aol.com. That's ME! Well, actually, it is Allan Metcalf, whose quote is noted above. Other Allan wisdon is seen at Word Spy, highlighting Allan Metcalf, American Linguist. Word Spy is an Oxford English Dictionary Lite for the Internet Age.

# posted by  Andy : February 03, 2006 9:28 AM
 
My mother and I signed up for a class at LCCC. Titled "History of the English Language," it was to run one hour each Thursday for four weeks. Just for fun, you know? Well, Mom called me on Wednesday and said "The College just called me." I guessed: "They cancelled the class." "Well..." she replied. I added: "Only two people signed up." "Did they call you?" she asked. No, they hadn't called me. I was just projecting a pessimist's view of the current state of language awareness. Watch television and analyze the style and method of communication. Likewise, read a newspaper story and seek enlightenment. Eavesdrop on checkout line conversations. Woe betide! So no class (pun intended). I was disappointed but not particularly surprised.

# posted by  Andy : February 03, 2006 9:42 AM
 
Odd that Mr. Metcalf would caution not to use the word as a joke then vote in "Truthiness" which was coined, or at least resurrected, by Stephen Colbert to make fun of the current occupant of the White House.

Regarding your LCCC class. It probably wouldn't occur to the instructor to form a group unsanctioned by the Educo-Industrial establishment to pursue the subject privately. The point being, his interest in the subject may stem more from the fact that he is paid to teach it than a love of it.

# posted by  A. O. : February 03, 2006 10:29 AM
 
As Mr. Ralph can attest, the adjunct faculty slaves at LCCC (and CCCC, and everywhere) are not in it for the money because there isn't any. The instructor was noted as "Staff". I saw it as another example of the college force-offering a class and giving the hapless instructor no choice and no input into the process.

"Truthiness" merely "rightspeaks" the criticism of our exalted administration. Everyone is running out of accurate and inventive ways to endlessly illuminate the lack of internal illumination at the helm. I am just worn out by the monomaniacal persistence of the White House in pile-driving the same hollow and hackneyed policies that have never worked and never will. Unbelievable and unsupportable. That should the be requiem for the "W" era.

# posted by  Andy : February 03, 2006 5:54 PM
 
In the "truthiness" category I came across this article that should twist Andy's knickers up so hard he'll be singing the Queen of the Night's aria from the "Magic Flute". Check this out and get back to me when catch your breath.

"The Nutri-Energetics Infoceuticals are based on 25 years of research into the human quantum electro-dynamic (QED) body-field"

Now there's something to warm the cockles of an old science geek hippy's heart. We would have been all over this at the Schoolhouse.

# posted by  A. O. : February 07, 2006 12:49 AM
 
Oh. Getting and early start on April, are we?

# posted by  Andy : February 08, 2006 4:19 AM
 
Post a Comment


---