An old Cornish spelling perhaps?Originally Posted by verismissimo
An old Cornish spelling perhaps?
Host
Well, I like to think I speak French reasonably well, but, erm... I stand corrected."we may as well succombe to text-speak"... And I hadn't realised that you're a teacher of French.
Host
This seems to be the only appropriate thread for me to register a moan about broadcasters . . . and people generally
My wife has had enough of being subjected to this particular rant over Christmas, so now it's your turn. . .
Do any others of you take violent exception to people saying, e.g., "This is one of the only moths that come out in winter"?
What the hell do they think this means?!
And while I'm at it, why are we suddenly hearing everyone sticking glottal stops between the definite article and a vowel? The weather forecasters are routine offenders, but almost everyone under 40 seems to have been infected as well. "In thuh east", etc., instead of "in thee east". Not only is it hard work, it could hardly be less melodious, imho.
Peace & Love
Full Member
Ok, here goe's my rant, which I richly deserve, it being my birthday today!
When and why was the term 'national rail services' adopted over the more accurate 'main line' or 'overground'.
I grow tired of travelling local routes while being told, repeatedly, that I am using a 'national rail service' ie.
(on the underground) 'this is Charing Cross - change here for National Rail Services' etc.
This use is so tedious because it is making a distinction that, more often than not, is not there. Most services from
that particular station, for one, as with the likes of a Fenchurch Street or a Marylebone, will get you into the next county or not much beyond.
The term throws local, regional and genuinely national services into the one bag and so becomes a meaningless descriptor.
Furthermore, do the mainline stations serving Wales and Scotland then become 'international' rail services which is, literally, what they are?
If you ask me it is the lack of pedantry that leads to this sort of obfuscation
Full Member
Haitch.
Host
Yes. That really is annoying.
Full Member
See http://wikipedia.orange.co.uk/wiki/National_Rail
Host
So it's the new name for British Rail.
And then there's
"Between you and I..."
Full Member
Quite so . . . and then there is the abomination "train station" - so often heard to-day from the lips of native Englishmen and Englishwomen.
Host
Is this "abomination" an Americanism? I only ask. It's their spelling and pronunciation, and the expectation that we should put up with them, that is so abominable.
Take the word "centre". They reverse the final two letters and then pronounce it as though the "r" comes before the "e" anyway - and then they omit the "t".:doh:
So perhaps they should spell it "CENR".
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