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curmdgeon.GIF (1254 bytes) Curmudgeons' Corner

Myfanwy Davies longs for shorter words...

I get annoyed by the extension of perfectly serviceable words into longer words for no reason. For example, leverage has been getting my goat for a few years (what's wrong with lever?) but today I spotted a new one. A local clothing shop was offering a 30% discount, but only on navy suiting. Why not suits? Grrrr.

We have to admit that suiting is rather silly unless it is referring to the fabric from which the suits are made, as that usage has been around since the late 19th century.

Myfanwy, mae enwau Cymraeg yn harddach yn fawr nag enwau Sais.*

*No, your browser has not been infected with a virus - this sentence is written in Welsh.

Have you heard or read similar or equally distressing usages?

Do tell us. 

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