A blog on the idiosyncrasies of today’s fast-moving, social-media-driven language managed by 20-year-plus public relations writer Joseph Priest. l write “e-mail” with a hyphen, detest the word “issue,” and abbreviate “microphone” as “mike.” Got a language question? Bring it on.
Recent Posts
Canceled vs. Cancelled
One of the most misspelled words of all.
Who Are Nutmeggers and Bay Staters?
Test your knowledge on what the residents of two U.S. states are called.
Pronunciation Poise: Jaguar
Beware. This is an easily mispronounced word.
Trouper or Trooper?
See if you know the difference between the two.
How to Write Today’s Mass Media Names
New digital media formats and stodgy AP style rules can create conundrums for writing media names. Here’s a guide to help.
Octopuses or Octopi?
This is a spelling conundrum that can easily entangle people.
PR Pros, Get Your 2020 AP Stylebook Updates!
“Black” is now capitalized. “Older people” is preferred over “elderly people.” And “climate change” is preferred over “global warming.” Get the scoop on the AP Stylebook’s 2020 edition updates.
Pronunciation Poise: Sherbet
It seems like it would be such an easy word to say.
Definition Detail: OK
Do you know what this versatile word stands for?