Re: Boffins & saving email

Tim O'Connor (tim@roughdraft.org)
Tue, 31 Aug 1999 18:46:43 -0400

At 3:31 PM -0700 on 8/31/1999, you wrote:

> May I just state that I'm jealous of your ownership of an OED, 2nd
>ed.?  My little
> old Webster's is but a pretender to the throne.
>
> *sigh*
>
> If I had an OED, I'd be quoting it constantly too.

Well, it is pretty handy when etymological questions come up.  And I
just like reading it randomly.  When I have a free minute I pick a
word I don't know, and I read the citations and the history and try
to add it to my vocabulary.  Forget my inability to remember my own
phone number!  But at least I can still learn new words!

> One of these days, I will purchase
> a set and point it out on every tour of my house.  "And on your
>right is my Oxford
> English Dictionary, a full set.  Would anyone like to look up a word?"

A good friend of mine, who is not only a successful writer but a
meticulous bibliophile, went to Oxford University Press to see about
purchasing their leatherbound 2nd edition.  They only had three sets
in hand.  And it took him months of chasing before they finally sold
it to him.  I couldn't believe their inability or unwillingness or
earn money!

> Oh, the fun I could have...  Anyway, personally, the etymology of
>words is perhaps one of
> the most interesting subjects I know.  Thanks, and keep providing
>that kind of information.

Just as long as it doesn't become a bore or seem a pretentious act.
I figure, why not be comprehensive when you can be?  ESPECIALLY with
words!

--tim o'connor