Tag Archives: english

Should these Connotations Always Apply?

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Scribe Doll

Dark Just read any book or film review.  Dark implies deep, complex, fascinating, intelligent, and, therefore, somehow worthy.  I tend to think that dark is just dark.  It’s not good, it’s not bad.  It’s just dark.  But, since we’re on … Continue reading →

Posted in English Words, Words and Civilisation | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments

The British Obsession With Accent

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Scribe Doll

In a café, after a West End matinée.  My friend has just introduced me to an acquaintance of hers, then left us alone to go and order tea.  “So what did you think of the show?” he asks. I reply, … Continue reading →

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Languages: Turning Enemies into Allies

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Scribe Doll

“S and I got engaged!” I announced to my family, just before my second year at university, showing off my emerald and diamond ring. My grandmother did not miss a bit.  “Congratulations, my sunbeam! Does he speak any languages?” “No.” … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: My Friend ‘Cox’

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Scribe Doll

I have just acquired a new friend or, perhaps I should say, a new incarnation of an old friend.  My old one has retired to a well-earned rest,  after ten years of inexhaustible patience and loyalty, his jacket a little … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: A Smidgeon of Français

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Say sidewalk, elevator or garbage, and the English will wince in disgust and mutter the almost unspeakable.  “That’s American,” they will remark before casting you out of Society for polluting the purity of Shakespeare’s tongue.  Using French, however, suggests to … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: English – the Fast Food Burger of the Language World

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Scribe Doll

English is a democratic language.  Vox populi, vox linguae.  As soon as 51% of people say something in a particular way, then it becomes correct. Incorrect English usage.  Now there is a minefield.  Do not even venture there.  “Incorrect” implies that … Continue reading →

Posted in Words and Civilisation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Kisses, Handshakes and Hugs

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Scribe Doll

When my Italian, Spanish, Irish and Basque friends greet or part with me, they kiss me.  That is, their lips smack into my cheek full on, like a firm cushion.  A solid, present, committed kiss.  My English friends*, for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments