Text 10044, 61 rader
Skriven 2014-02-18 12:01:00 av MICHAEL LOO (1:123/140)
     Kommentar till en text av JIM WELLER
Ärende: artful dodgers 225
==========================
 JW> There is an argument that dictionaries should acknowledge current
 JW> common usage as language evolves. After all awful once meant
 JW> something that filled one with awe.

The first dictionary had to be descriptive, sort of by
definition. It was probably a foreign language one, not
written down, and of this nature: Frank and his tribe
over here say Wee when they mean Yes and On when they
mean No, but Deet and his folks down that way say Ya
and Nine. That's the underlying raison d'etre of a
dictionary, and it serves well in a developing linguistic
system, but as a language grows, and in order that a
culture may build itself further, dictionaries take on a
role more analogous to scaffolding - they record a
framework on which more complex thoughts can be
articulated and themselves developed. Though not law,
they serve a lawlike function by describing AND
influencing reliable patterns of communication, so their
function has to flop over towards the prescriptive side.

In a world where everyone is at least semiliterate
already, a descriptive dictionary loses its usefulness.

I had this discussion with the editor of the American
Heritage Dictionary (a piece of ordure), the motivator
of which was my discovery of a main entry "violincello,"
which necessitated the pulping of the whole edition,
much to my glee and everyone else's chagrin.

 JW> The Merriam-Webster, which is the first reference to come up in
 JW> Google states "scampi - a dish of large shrimp prepared with a
 JW> garlic-flavored sauce" but also goes on to say, "origin of scampi,
 JW> Italian, plural of scampo, a European lobster".

Perpetuation of a misconception is not excused by an
explanation at the bottom.

 JW> I was looking for an alternative name for the shrimp dish and
 JW> stumbled across this ...
 JW> Title: Promiscuous Prawns

That requires an antidote!

Mister Rogers' applesauce
cat: PBS, kids, side
servings; 4

4 md apples
1/2 c water
1/4 c sugar
cinnamon to taste

Peel and core the apples. Slice and then cut into small
chunks. Put in a pan with water and simmer 15 min. Add
sugar and cinnamon. Let cool. May be eaten warm or cold.
    
pbskids.org

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