Our Rich Language and Cheap Tricks.

What do the names Aubrey, Beverly and Marion have in common?  They all used to be men’s names.  They still are for that matter, though they have crossed over to the female pop charts big time.  Aubrey means, “elf king”; Beverly is, “beaver stream” (keep that in mind before you choose it for your daughter); Marion (as in Marion Morrison, John Wayne’s real name!!!) means, “star of the sea.”  My point is that just as the use and popularity of names change, regardless of meaning, so does the use of words, also regardless of meaning.  For a retired school teacher with a sharp blue pencil this can be hard.  Knowledge is a stern taskmaster.  

It is time to reclaim some property which has been lost, stolen, strayed or misused.  I am talking about some words that no one seems to want to use correctly anymore.  This is not at all unusual.  Our language is a rich and fluid medium.  But there are some words which have been taken over by corrupting forces. 

Some words I am just tired of: horrific and surreal, both of which are usually used incorrectly.   But there are others.

First, I would like to reclaim the word, “gay.”  I don’t mind using it as a euphemism for homosexual, but not to the exclusion of its use as a term for lighthearted happiness.  Gay is the perfect word for certain moods.  Why do people not want to use it anymore because it is also a term for a homosexual man?  Let’s take this word back. 

Second is the word, “issues.”  People do not have, “issues.”  They may have, “issue” meaning children, but they don’t have, “issues” meaning problems.  If you have an emotional obstruction, irritation, attitude or conundrum, say so.  To mention, “issues” implies that your interlocutor is dying to engage in discourse on your favorite topic—you! 

Attention to detail is all correct usage needs.  That leads me to my A-1 irritation.   

The word, “choose” is a transitive verb.  It requires a direct object for completion.  When politicians say, “I support a woman’s right to choose…” and end the sentence there they are deliberately doing two things.  First they are ending the sentence incorrectly.  A woman’s right to choose what?  Paper or plastic?  Black or with cream and sugar?  Diet or regular?  But, of course they know that.  They aren't fools, they are dishonest.  That leads us to the second thing they are consciously doing.  They are trying to manipulate our thinking.  Some snake oil salesman of an ad man has told them that the word, “abortion” is just too graphic for the common market.  It has too many negatives.  Too many ugly connotations.  So, just ignore its presence in the sentence.  Don’t say it.  If you don’t use the word you can fool people into believing you are talking about something else.  Pretend this is a question of nothing but personal freedom instead of an invasive surgical procedure and philosophical questions of life and death.

            I despise this sleazy and callous manipulation.  Do not assume I am so stupid as to not know when you are trying this ploy.  The truth is that while I see abortion as a failure on so many levels I can live with Roe v. Wade.  What I can’t live with are politicians and social engineers who are sure I won’t notice if they try to warp my thinking with smoke and mirrors.  

            Words mean something.  Their correct use helps communication; obfuscation is an assault on honesty. 

            Check the dictionary and keep the faith.