What ever happened to . . .?

Scientists once set man apart from animals and birds when they said that only man used tools. That has since been disproved. A second criteria that proved our superiority over other creatures is that [only] man is capable of thoughtful planning. That has also been disproved. Lastly, scientists stated that only man had language to communicate. Untrue, of course, however, man is the only creature that uses language to convey subtle thought. Even so, our ability to communicate clearly seems to be on a downward spiral.

There is a flurry of fury surrounding the use or non-use of the greeting: Merry Christmas. Irate Americans are rebelling at being politically correct and using the more all-encompassing "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings. Merry Christmas holds religious and cultural significance and people are adhering to lifetime greetings. They are asserting control over not only the holiday, but in their rebellion, asserting control over our language.

But what about the orphan words that have no political, religious or cultural significance? Will these words be relegated to the dustbin of ancient language?

Almost everyone has said "thank you" for a service, a kindness, a gift, etc. The response today when someone says “thank you” is "no problem." The answer implies that whatever prompted the "thank you" had created some kind of difficulty on the performer. What ever happened to the old fashioned: “You’re welcome?”

Another silly saying is "thinking outside the box." The intent of the statement seems to convey that the speaker is wise and understands the psychological implications that a performer is doing something extraordinary." Do the words "thinking creatively" sound familiar? When was the last time you heard those words uttered? (Writers, particularly, should rebel at phrases like "thinking outside the box." Good, tight writing is the supposed goal of all writers. Here's an opportunity to use two words where four are being used.)

A third phrase that insults the ear is "slippery slope." Its overuse has earned it cliché status. The alliteration is lovely, but for a refreshing change, which conveys the same message, "dangerous tendency" would be most welcome.

There are a multitude of other phrases that have crept, and then lunged, into our speech. That is a part of the evolution of language. The above phrases, though I may find distasteful, I understand, but there's another phrase that's slithered into usage: "So like," as in: "He's so like my favorite bartender." WHAT? "So like?"

Let's not even go there!

"Be Captivated"

              by

"The Whitebridge Web"

Oh yes, let's go there. Here are two of the most blatant errors that assault the ear. :

Between you and I.  Sacrilege! Does that mean it’s between we? No, it’s between us (objective case, therefore, it is between you and me.)

The both of us.  “The” is not needed. These two criminals are widely used by TV commentators, actors, the general public. What ever happened to the instruction of grammar—has it been removed from school curriculums? It seems when we left England in 1620 we also left behind the King’s English. More’s the pity, Say what?

D. H. Clair

The House on Slocum Road