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#45 – A Grammar Mayday Over “Mayday” & the Latest in Words You Should Know

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

Episode #45 – A Grammar Mayday Over “Mayday”

Approximate transcript:

Welcome to episode number 45, where we’re talking distress signals—not because we’re feeling distressed necessarily, at least I hope note, but because there are secret grammar mistakes hiding in plain sight if you know where to look for them. Really? Yes indeed. Or if you don’t have language correction tendencies, let’s bring it down to a simple question: where does the word “Mayday” come from?

How about S.O.S.?

There are stories here, folks, and we’ll get into them today.

But first, let’s dive into…

The Latest in Word, Language & Writing News

And we have a lot worth touching on today. Rather than going in depth into any of these stories, I’m going to remind you that links to all of these updates are in the show notes.

Here are the top 7 language news stories since our last episode:

Helsinki’s mayor recently suggested the Finnish capitol should be an “English-language city.”The Oxford English Dictionary just had a “K-update,” adopting over 20 new words from the Korean language.Merriam Webster’s definition of the term “Anti-vaccer” has gone under attack.The New York Times declared recently, “Gender pronouns are changing, and it’s exhilarating.” (I love that energy.)Blockchain technology could provide secure communications for robot teams. (Because, yeah, we’ve got to think about these things too)A Facebook exec on moderating hate speech outside the US, answered, and I quote “Language is a challenge.” (Ha, yep. And wow the language stories we could go into with Facebook, but I’m holding off since this is a quick review)And lastly, Psychology Today just published an article called “Why terms of address matter,” speaking to the idea of what we call one another having consequences for the relationship. (Fascinating. Seriously.)

That’s seven stories.

There’s so much more to cover. In fact, I had trouble narrowing down the top stories for this episode, so follow my social media feeds to stay in the loop with the latest in communications news. Follow me @KrisSpisak on Twitter and @KSWriting on Facebook.

Links to everything I’ve mentioned are in the show notes on my website. Intrigued? Excited about what you can bring to your next water cooler conversation? (Whether it’s an actual water cooler or something along those lines on Zoom?) You could argue that how we as people connect with each other is changing faster than ever, couldn’t you.

More on communications news next time, though. It’s time to dive into to today’s…

English Language History & Trivia

Have you ever wondered where the word “Mayday” comes from? Does it have something to do with the first of May and a Maypole? No.

Does it have something to do with permissions and a Jennifer Garner movie, where the grownups say yes to everything the kids ask for a single day? Nope, that’s “Yes Day,” not Mayday. “Can” vs. “may” conversations aside…

So, mayday, mayday. Let’s explore where this term comes from.

Let’s set the scene.

You’re on a ship, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. A storm, far out on the horizon, is already producing waves that bounce your vessel up and down, into peaks and valleys, crests and troughs, and then comes the wind, tearing at anyone on deck, and the rain, whipping the sleeves of your shirt and the hair on your head, and the thunder that booms so loud it echoes across the roiling sea…

Okay, am I channeling Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Caruso? Maybe. Maybe not.

But what is a ship captain to do? How do they signal their distress?

Mayday. Mayday. It’s spelled as one word, not two, for you know if there was a space involved, we’d be back to the first of May, talking picnics and May pole dances.

You know the word, but what about it’s origin?

Supposedly, “mayday” was coined by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer in Croydon, a town in England, but whether he’s the first official person to say this is not quite proven. That’s not the important part of the story.

Mayday was first tested as an emergency distress signal on planes that flew between England and France across the English Channel, as well as with air traffic between the U.S. and France.

You’re seeing France as a big part of this story, and it will all start coming together for you here. The word “Mayday” comes from the French phrase similarly pronounced “m’aider” (excuse my terrible French accent; that’s “M-apostrophe-A-I-D-E-R), which is a simple, literal request. Help me. And when that call out is Anglicized, we get “mayday” (M-A-Y-D-A-Y).

But wait … there’s a problem. This must be fake news. Why the hesitation? Well, it comes down to grammar. Because while logically, to one who doesn’t speak strong French, “M’aider” would translate to “help me”; to others who do indeed speak proper French, they would say … um … no. Or perhaps something slightly more eloquent. French speakers listening, please fill in this blank with the appropriate language to use when shaking your head at someone getting your language wrong. I know. It happens.

Apparently, “help me” would be said a bit differently in French. “M’aider” translates as “help me to … ” but technically, it would need a verb to make sense. Like, “help me translate this, please” or “help me to not make a grammar mistake as I’m setting international communications protocol.”

It’s a simple language mistake. “M’aider” doesn’t—or should I say “shouldn’t”—stand alone.

But hey, that’s what I’m here for with the English language. We all have to keep helping each other out with the language cause.

However, does this grammar flaw point to fake news entirely with this French language word origin story with mayday? Oh, for a moment, it seems so. There are so many fake news stories out there. But then I’ll ask another question. What was the background of those who introduced “mayday” to the world?

If it was indeed Frederick Stanley Mockford, he was English. And if it was somebody else, my bet is that they weren’t French but loosely familiar with the French language.

And we can’t end this conversation without a shout-out to S.O.S., which was the primary distress signal used that needed to be replaced. And yes, there were others—that’s a different conversation—but let’s just talk S.O.S. for now.

Why did S.O.S. need to be replaced or supplemented? Well, S.O.S. is often thought to be an acronym for “Save our souls or “save our ship,“ but it was introduced during the Morse Code era, and that telegraphic form holds the answer to its meaning. “S.O.S.” was a collection of short and long dots and dashes than were adapted as a distress signal because the pattern stood out and was easily recognizable ( . . . – – – . . . ). Sadly, I think I learned the pattern in my childhood from a S.O.S. brand steel wool soap pad commercial with dirty dishes in a sink clanging it out, but you probably have a much more academic memory of leaning this than me.

S.O.S. was powerful, easy Morse code for those communicating via telegraph. However, while ships used telegraphs, airplanes did not. As aircraft were put to use more and more, they used radio, and shouting out S.O.S. is not as clear as it could be. S’s were often mistaken for F’s, and in a moment of absolute urgency, do you think anyone would have the state of mind or even the time to clarify?

“No, excuse me, let me repeat. That’s S like Sam. O like Oreo.”

Or to use the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet (IRDS)—think Alpha, Bravo, Charlie—do you want that captain or pilot to shout into the radio, “Sierra. Oscar. Sierra. Sierra Oscar Sierra!”

What?

Actually, let me go back in time more, we’re talking before the standard usage Military Phonetic Alphabet, which wasn’t greatly used until World War 11. Back in 1927, it would not have been Sierra, Oscar, Sierra, but Santiago, Oslo, Santiago, because the early version used city names from across the world.

You see the problem. Nobody needs that confusion shouted over the radio in a moment of distress.

And to come full circle, after the early tests that tried out the new distress signal, the International Radio Telegraph Convention, also in 1927, lists 51 Rules, and the official usage of “mayday” (M-A-Y-D-A-Y) was among them. Clarity. Speed. This is what was needed. And where was this convention held? Washington, D.C. A place not known for its proper French grammar.

So Mayday, from the French m’aider, which isn’t correct French, but they were trying. And trying is good. But it stuck, jumped, and solidified into to English before anyone really could stop it.

Also in 1927, the United States formally adopted “Mayday” as an official radiotelegraph distress signal, explaining in Article 19 of their resolution that “mayday” originates in “the French pronunciation of the expression m’aider.”

Language takes off like that sometimes. And sometimes it goes in the wrong direction. We see it happen. Sigh. Language. It can’t be controlled sometimes. Should we call for an S.O.S.? Nah, but let’s hang on for the ride.

Language Challenge

I’m going to twist our conversation in a different direction. If multiple distress signals were coming in at the same time, maybe the radio operators would have to prioritize and organize the help needed. If all emergencies were equal, would they say: “First come, first serve” or “first come, first served”?

Sure, this is an expression often discussed more in line with restaurants and delis, but it’s something to know either way.

Only one is correct: “First come, first serve” or “First come, first served” (with that d). Do you know?

The answers, as always, can be found on my website, at GetAGripOnYourGrammar.com.

Personal Update:

For my personal update, I know I shared in the last episode the exciting news that my first novel, The Baba Yaga Mask, is coming in April 2022. Yes, my first novel, though it will be my fourth book. But today’s update goes in a slightly different direction.

Amid the pandemic, like all of you, I haven’t been to many big events over the past two years, and thus, a number of my favorite workshops and programs that I love to do with audiences were either put on hold or done virtually. And virtually is great—not quite the same as being with a live audience, but still fun and workable.

But this month and next, I actually have a number of in-person events we’re attempting. Outdoors for some, masked for others, distanced and thoughtful hopefully with all. But live audiences. For my Grammartopia programs, for my Story Stop Tour programs. I am tentatively thrilled and excited. Tentatively. So much tentatively.

I hope you and your words are doing well, everyone. I know we’ve all had enough with feelings of S.O.S. and Mayday. Maybe we should channel The New York Times and their feelings of “exhilaration” around changes. What do you think?

Sign up for my English language tips and trivia email newsletter for more articles and podcasts like this.

If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post #45 – A Grammar Mayday Over “Mayday” & the Latest in Words You Should Know appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Writing Tip 433: What is the past tense of “bind”?

There are so many things these rubber bands can bind together, but what if they did their work a long time ago? Sure, their bright colors might fade, but what about the past tense of “bind”?

One can bind a book or ropes around a villain. One can bind rubber bands around playing cards or two parties together in a legal contract. But if they did this yesterday, how do you write that verb? What is the past tense of “bind”?

Easy? Maybe. But let’s just double-check what you know.

“To bind” (present tense) has a few definitions, whether we’re talking physical bindings (as in ropes, rubber bands, or book pages) or emotional bindings (hello, love connections… and guilt … and fear… and so many others). But, in short, let’s define the verb “bind” as something that is secured by tying or fastening in some way, as well as by legal authority, by agreement or obligation. There’s also a connection we could make with constipation, but we’ll skip over that for now.

Logically, maybe you want to say the past tense of “bind” is “binded,” but if that was your thought, you’d be wrong.

Remember:

The past tense of the verb “bind” is “bound.”If it makes it easier, think about it along the lines of “find” and “found” or “wind” and “wound.”

What’s up with this weird verb form? Well, it all stems back to the fact that “bind” is an incredibly old word. In fact, it’s been used in some form of English since before the 12th century. The Old English form was bindan, and if you really want to dig into word history, you can go back to the Old High German word, bintan, and even the Sanskrit word, badhnāti, which means “he ties.”

And old words sometimes love holding onto old verb forms.

However, that’s not the end of the discussion, because there’s also a different present-tense verb “to bound.” Oh yeah, let’s make things complicated, English language. Again. Thanks.

The verb “to bound,” which becomes “bounded” in the past tense, means to move forward by leaping or bouncing. So, for example, if you are really excited about a new book, you might bound forward to have it in your hands as soon as possible. But if you did this movement yesterday, maybe you bounded up the bookshop’s steps.

Feeling overwhelmed? I hope not. This wild English language binds us all together on our journey to speak and write as powerfully as possible.

And if you ever feel like you’re in a bind when it comes to the word “bind,” hopefully this makes you feel less tied up in knots. Or rubber bands for that matter.

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The post Writing Tip 433: What is the past tense of “bind”? appeared first on Kris Spisak.

#44 – Pleased as Punchy Punch with a Drink & the Latest in Words You Should Know

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

Episode #44 – Pleased as Punchy Punch with a Drink & the Latest in Words You Should Know

Approximate transcript:

Welcome to episode number 44. I’m pleased as Punch that I’m back, though I’m, of course, not nearly as aggressive as the origins of that expression. “Pleased as Punch.” Sparked from violence? From a spiked party drink? No. Well, not quite how you’d think. Punch drunk. Feeling punchy. Punch lines.

So many stories, and we’re not pulling punches in today’s conversation, but first, after such a long break, let’s dive into…

The Latest in Word, Language & Writing News

Now, you’d think when it comes to news about the English language, that a few months of summer break wouldn’t be that dramatic. This language of ours, or a version of it, has been around for an incredibly long time. Yet… we have so much to discuss.

We’ve talked about how artificial intelligence models have been advancing when it comes to natural language processing, how GPT-3 threw the world for a loop, being able to generate sentences, poetry, news articles, textbooks, and so much more. Some panicked. Many were excited. Many more were perhaps confused. Either way, GPT-3 from OpenAI will go down in the history books as a defining moment of transformation when it comes to machine-learning and language processing.

Now in August, (and I’m recording this in September 2021 so future listeners have that in perspective), in August 2021, Tel Aviv-based artificial intelligence startup AI21 Labs introduced a program they’ve named “Jurassic,” which released as an “open beta,” meaning there are far fewer restrictions for access, as compared to GPT-3, which requires wait lists and similar hurdles. With different parameters, “Jurassic” is said to have more “depth” and “expressivity,” but we’ll see what happens next.

There is so much to follow with AI language technology. Not only who the players are and what the technology can do, but what does this mean for the ease of creating fake news, the continuation of past biases captured in the many texts these systems are using as the foundation of their learning, and on the positive side, how these tools can be used to take storytelling and communication to heights not yet imagined. More on all sides of this conversation coming soon.

And speaking of discoveries that are transforming our understandings of things, did you hear that experts have recently decoded a 700-year old King Arthur manuscript, one of the earliest versions of the tales, which had its pages recycled into the bindings of four volumes of French philosophy texts?

The discovery was made in 2019, but the text has only recently been taken apart, with the roots of so much we know about Camelot, as well as some fascinating differences. A romance for Merlin? Oh yeah, that’s there and more.

There’s so much more to cover—and links to everything I’ve mentioned are in the show notes on my website—but I’ll save further explorations for the next episode. It’s time to dive into to today’s…

English Language History & Trivia

Did you know September 20th is National Rum Punch Day? No? Well, as I’m recording this on September 20th, maybe I’ll just have to raise a glass when I turn off my microphone—nope, no ice cubes clinking in the background at the moment, but cheers to you all the same.

The word “punch,” as in the drink, most likely comes from a Sanskrit word (pañc), meaning “five.” Why “five”? Well, it’s said the drink was originally made from five ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and either tea or spices, depending on the source. High five to that? Or are you now thinking about being punch drunk?

Perfect association, I know, but the expression “punch drunk” doesn’t come from drinking too much alcoholic punch at a seventeenth century British literary salon or a twentieth or twenty-first century frat party. Much like “slap happy,” which first arose in the 1930s, “punch drunk” was first coined in the 1910s, in reference to mental impairment after repeated blows to the head. Yikes. I know there’s a lot of history there, but boxing is not my sport. Not my cup of tea—or should I say, not my cup of punch?

So “punch,” the drink, comes from Sanskrit, but “punch” as in a jab, as in a one-two punch, body blow, or any other version of a forceful strike, this word comes from a Middle English word (pouncen) meaning to “emboss” or “pierce.” Think about a hole puncher, and you’ll see the connection. Then jump that forceful piercing or embossing action into a verb form with your fist, and there you go… or at least that seems to be the story.

“Punch” actually shares a similar etymological root with the word “pounce.” The feline equivalent of a punch? Maybe. There’s a linguistic connection you might not have seen coming.

Are you feeling pleased as Punch that this is coming all together? Well, me too, but that saying with “punch” adds more to the conversation.

Pleased as Punch actually has a capital “P” with “punch.” And if that’s not enough of a hint for you, let’s go back in time and back to the U.K. to talk about “Punch and Judy” shows, as in marionettes and later hand puppet shows. Punch and Judy were once named along with double-decker buses, Sherlock Holmes and bowler hats, as icons of England.

Now the character Punch is famously violent. Hilariously so? Well, I’d personally put that one up for debate, but he brought generations of audiences to laugher.

But his name, “Punch,” didn’t come from his blows. His name comes from the a popular character in Italian masked comedy shows (“Punchinello”), and this character’s name likely came from an Italian word for chicken or chick—not because of any note of cowardice but because of his beak-like nose, which did also segue over to the British puppet “Punch.”

And the idea of a “punch line,” as in the end of a joke that brings it all together with hilarity, this also comes back to Punch of “Punch and Judy” fame. Punch was the one who always got the line to end the joke, so the “punchline” has nothing to do with a thrown punch to finish the bout. It’s all about Punch the puppet getting the final word. For better or for worse.

Though perhaps Charles Dickens punched it all up a notch, because rather than writing “pleased as Punch,” in David Copperfield, he wrote the expression “proud as Punch,” which could have been his own spin or it could have been a mistake that simply stuck… but either way, he added his name into this conversation as well.

Boom. Pow.

Wow. And I think that’s all I’ve got today. Oh, it feels good to be back.

Turning to this episode’s…

Language Challenge

Let me tell you something that doesn’t jive with me…

Or should I say, let me tell you something that doesn’t jibe with me…

Oh, I could finish this sentence in so many ways! But if I was going to talk about something I just simply don’t agree with, how would I spell that word? If something doesn’t jive with you… If something doesn’t jibe with you…

I know there’s a lot of conflict in the media these days, but I’ve caught this expression wrong in more news reports and opinion pieces than I can name lately. Do you know the answer? Double-check yourself.

The answers, as always, can be found on my website, at GetAGripOnYourGrammar.com.

Personal Update:

I’ve been referencing, for a while, a big projects on the horizon, and folks, I cannot contain the excitement to announce here that my debut novel is coming in 2022 from Wyatt MacKenzie Publishing. Yes, this is my fourth book, but it’s my first in fiction. The Baba Yaga Mask is a tale of two contemporary sisters on a wild goose chase across eastern Europe to find their lost grandmother, who is obsessed with Baba Yaga folktales and how they can solve all the world’s problems, and in these sisters’ chase, they not only uncover their family’s the World War II past in Ukraine but also a greater understanding of themselves, each other, and so much more.

Everything I love is wrapped up in this novel. Language. The power of stories. Words that change the world. Family histories. Stay tuned for more details.

And no matter whether it’s National Rum Day when you hear this or not, I’m raising a glass to how powerful storytelling and communications can indeed change the world when we give it our best shot.

Sign up for my English language tips and trivia email newsletter for more articles and podcasts like this.

If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post #44 – Pleased as Punchy Punch with a Drink & the Latest in Words You Should Know appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Writing Tip 432: “Jive” vs. “Jibe” vs. “Gibe”

If we’re talking dancing in the street, maybe this doesn’t jibe with you, or maybe you won’t jive with me… let’s dig into the possibilities.

Let me tell you something that seriously doesn’t jive with me…

Okay, how do you think I could finish that sentence? Where do you think I’m going? What actually makes sense? Do you know the difference between “jive” vs. “jibe” vs. “gibe”?

There’s a chance I see this incorrectly written more frequently than I see it correct, so let’s talk this out:

To “jive” means, most commonly, “to dance” (hello, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” lyrics) or sometimes “to kid” or  “to say something that’s not serious.” You can thank 1920s slang for this term.To “jibe” means “to agree” or “to be in accord” and is usually followed by “with.” There’s also “jibing” in reference to sailing, as when there’s a sudden change of direction, but a practiced sailor could likely give a better definition on this meaning than what I can provide. These forms entered the English language in the early 1800s and the late 1600s respectively.

But just to keep you on your toes…

To “gibe” means to taunt, and this sarcastic and snarky word has been in use since the mid-1500s.

The only problems here are that “jive” has been confused with “jibe” for so many decades (yes decades, nearly a century of this mistake in fact!), you see it in writing all of the time. Similarly, some dictionaries even accept “jibe” as an alternate spelling of “gibe” because of similar confusion.

You have to pay extra attention with this trio (“jive” vs. “jibe” vs. “gibe”).

So remember, if something doesn’t jive with me, that means it’s not willing to boogie. There may be many out there who don’t want to dance with me, but that’s okay. I’m all right with that. As for things that don’t jibe with me, maybe I should simply start with common language mistakes. How’s that?

Of course, I won’t gibe you about it. That’s not my style.

Because I know we can do better. And then we can dance about it. And it all comes full circle, doesn’t it?

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“The Plural form of ‘You’ Already Exists” – encore episode

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

“The Plural form of ‘You’ Already Exists” – encore episode

Apple Podcasts  |  Android  |  Spotify  |  Amazon Music  |  YouTube

Welcome to the summer series of the Words You Should Know podcast, where no, I’m not going to go into the etymology of summer, dog days, or solstice (been there, done that). But, instead, we’ll revisit “Story Stop Tour” events of earlier this year and popular episodes you may have missed from years past. This will be a seven episode break, with new episodes resuming on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.

So welcome to the encore of Episode 14: “The plural form of ‘you’ already exists (and all these other words you’ve always wanted),” originally released January 23, 2019. Enjoy the show!

For the approximate transcript of the full episode:

See Episode #14 of the Words You Should Know podcast.

Sign up for my English language tips and trivia email newsletter for more articles and podcasts like this.

If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post “The Plural form of ‘You’ Already Exists” – encore episode appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Story Stop: Enter the Toastmasters (encore episode)

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

“Story Stop: Enter the Toastmasters” (encore episode)

Apple Podcasts  |  Android  |  Spotify  |  Amazon Music  |  YouTube

Welcome to the summer series of the Words You Should Know podcast, where no, I’m not going to go into the etymology of summer, dog days, or solstice (been there, done that). But, instead, we’ll revisit “Story Stop Tour” events of earlier this year and popular episodes you may have missed from years past. This will be a seven episode break, with new episodes resuming on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.

What are my Story Stops? Imagine a program where you take a pause in your life to consider the stories that have shaped you into who you are. That’s what my third book, The Family Story Workbook, is all about, and at my Story Stop Tour events, I’ve been honored to hear the stories of talented authors, poets, and wordsmiths as they dive into their memories and invite you to dive into yours. You can learn more about these events at StoryStopTour.com.

This is the encore of “Story Stop: Enter the Toastmasters,” originally held on April 9, 2021, and now replayed for you here on the “Words You Should Know” podcast. Enjoy the show!

And if podcasts aren’t your style, here’s the event via YouTube:

The video from the event can also be found from the original broadcast on Facebook Live and Twitter.

Event Summary:

“Story Stop: Enter the Toastmasters” will bring you behind the scenes into the lives of four amazing speakers and storytellers, Joan Bowling, Roger Caesar, Shanna Kabatznick, and Gayle Turner.

Everyone has stories to tell, and capturing them can be not only a special effort but a profound personal or family project. Maybe after listening in, you’ll feel called to capture the stories of your own.

Sign up for my English language tips and trivia email newsletter for more articles and podcasts like this.

If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post Story Stop: Enter the Toastmasters (encore episode) appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Writing Tip 431: “On Guard” or “En Garde”?

When one might say “on guard” or “en garde,” perhaps you might be expecting a sword of some kind—though I will always be one to argue that the pen can mightier, no?

Does double-checking your work sometimes feel like the grammar police are saying “on guard” or “en garde” or … how do you spell that expression again?

This one goes out to anyone who’s ever wanted to be one of the three musketeers—or even the three mouseketeers. (Yes, that’s a shout-out to Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. You’re welcome).

First things first, don’t let any ideas of grammar police get you down. Are you working to be as clear, concise, and correct as possible with your communications? Awesome. The pursuit is half the battle won. (And you’re on this writing tips blog, so I’m guessing you’re well on your way!)

As for the spelling of “on guard” or “en garde,” both can be correct. They both mean to be alert and watchful, whether acting as a sentinel (more commonly the former) or in preparation for a possible fight (more commonly the latter), at least when used by English speakers. I will add the caveat here that en garde has not crossed over to be considered an English phrase. While it’s used by English speakers, it is still most decidedly a French expression. Thus, English dictionaries might note it, but they will note that it is a foreign phrase.

Using other languages well can be powerful at times and essential in the proper context, adding just a touch of je ne sais quoi. Perhaps it’s elegance and refinement. Perhaps it’s subtlety and empowerment.

However, please don’t mix them up. “En guard,” “on garde,” and any other similar but not quite right derivation is off the mark. (So please avoid using them!) One never wants to be off their mark when on their guard, right?

In fencing, “en garde” is the equivalent of the “Set” of “Ready, Set, Go” or maybe the “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” before the starting bell of Pro Wrestling. Oh, did I just connect fencing, schoolyard races, and Wrestlemania? I apologize for that.

In English, “guard” entered the language as “garde” in Middle English in roughly the 15th century as an Anglo-French form, so the confusion has long roots; however, it’s time to get it right.

The matter of “on guard” or “en garde” is often a matter of preference, unless there are fencing épée, foils, or sabres involved. If there are swords of any type, “en garde” is likely what you’re looking for. Otherwise, you can let down your guard a bit amid your vigilant commitment to communications excellence.

Good luck out there.

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The post Writing Tip 431: “On Guard” or “En Garde”? appeared first on Kris Spisak.

“Prouder” or “More Proud” than a Peacock? (Plus a Spelling Meme Debunked) – encore episode

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

“Prouder” or “More Proud” than a Peacock? (Plus a Spelling Meme Debunked) – encore episode

Apple Podcasts  |  Android  |  Spotify  |  Amazon Music  |  YouTube

Welcome to the summer series of the Words You Should Know podcast, where no, I’m not going to go into the etymology of summer, dog days, or solstice (been there, done that). But, instead, we’ll revisit “Story Stop Tour” events of earlier this year and popular episodes you may have missed from years past. This will be a seven episode break, with new episodes resuming on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.

So welcome to the encore of Episode 10: “Prouder” or “More Proud” than a Peacock? (Plus a Spelling Meme Debunked), originally released November 13, 2018. Enjoy the show!

For the approximate transcript of the full episode:

See Episode #10 of the Words You Should Know podcast.

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If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post “Prouder” or “More Proud” than a Peacock? (Plus a Spelling Meme Debunked) – encore episode appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Writing Tip 430: What is the Plural of “Runner-Up”?

I know, I know. Questions like this can be exhausting.

Coming in second place can be hard, but it can be even harder if you don’t know how to use the words that might describe you. What is the plural of “runner-up”? “Runner-Ups”? “Runners-Up”? Do you know? Are you sure?

Sure, we’ve tackled the proper abbreviation for “versus,” but let’s keep this competitive conversation going. We’ve got to be on our game, right? (And you know I have an extra resource for you if you’re looking for one.)

Well, we know a “runner-up” is the competitor that doesn’t win first place. Usually, it refers specifically to the second place contender.

“Runner-up” has been in use since at least 1859, though some sources point to as early as 1835, and it didn’t originally come from competitive races between human runners. This one’s for the dogs.

Why? Because a “runner-up” originally came from dog racing, specifically referring to a dog who ran multiple races without being defeated, only to come in second place in the final race. He ran hard. He impressed the crowds. Fans cheered him on. Yet he was the the one running up behind the event’s eventual winner. So close, yet so far away. Poor pupper. (And I’m suddenly reminded of earlier conversations about “snoots” vs. “snouts” and the “dog days of summer.”)

Returning to our earlier question…

How do you pluralize “runner-up?”

The answer is:

“Runners-up”

Yes, just like “attorneys-general” and “sisters-in-law,” some plural forms can keep you on your toes. Whether you’re running or not.

Did you have it right? Well look at you being a winner. Or if you didn’t, that’s okay. Even in conversations about the English language, second place guesses can be a part of the discussion.

Happy writing, folks!

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The post Writing Tip 430: What is the Plural of “Runner-Up”? appeared first on Kris Spisak.

Story Stop: Writing, Editing & Personal Perspectives (encore episode)

A few stolen minutes out of your day to talk words and communication, because our daily lives are surrounded by the evolution and influence of words. Forget the grammar police. There is so much more to this conversation.

“Story Stop: Writing, Editing & Personal Perspectives” (encore episode)

Apple Podcasts  |  Android  |  Spotify  |  Amazon Music  |  YouTube

Welcome to the summer series of the Words You Should Know podcast, where no, I’m not going to go into the etymology of summer, dog days, or solstice (been there, done that). But, instead, we’ll revisit “Story Stop Tour” events of earlier this year and popular episodes you may have missed from years past. This will be a seven episode break, with new episodes resuming on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.

What are my Story Stops? Imagine a program where you take a pause in your life to consider the stories that have shaped you into who you are. That’s what my third book, The Family Story Workbook, is all about, and at my Story Stop Tour events, I’ve been honored to hear the stories of talented authors, poets, and wordsmiths as they dive into their memories and invite you to dive into yours. You can learn more about these events at StoryStopTour.com.

This is the encore of Story Stop: Bookish Road Trip, originally held on February 11, 2021, and now replayed for you here on the “Words You Should Know” podcast. Enjoy the show!

The live video from the event can be found from the original broadcast on Facebook Live and Twitter.

Event Summary:

“Story Stop: Writing, Editing and Personal Perspectives” will bring you behind the scenes into the lives of two talented women who act as nonfiction editors, ghostwriters, poets, and business-focused wordsmiths: Karin Wiberg and Rita Lewis.

Everyone has stories to tell, and capturing them can be not only a special effort but a profound personal or family project. Maybe after listening in, you’ll feel called to capture the stories of your own.

Sign up for my English language tips and trivia email newsletter for more articles and podcasts like this.

If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.

Words. Language. Communications. We’ve got this.

The post Story Stop: Writing, Editing & Personal Perspectives (encore episode) appeared first on Kris Spisak.