Re: the word "quote" is a verb
Tim O'Connor (tim@roughdraft.org)
Thu, 04 Nov 1999 07:06:12 -0500
At 3:07 AM -0600 on 11/4/1999, Matt wrote, about "Zeitgeist":
> They would blink, a little indifferently, the bulk of them wondering
> whether the "z" was supposed to be pronounced flatly or as "ts," with
> the few who knew for sure trying to make out the trick by which I,
> uncertain myself, had garbled the consonant so as to make it
> undecidable.
There is always the technique suggested by Strunk and White in The
Elements of Style (a copy of which, inexplicably, I don't have at
hand): "If you don't know how to pronounce something, say it loud!"
I don't think I have the nerve (I've tried it) but it is a nice idea.
Will Strunk, according to E.B. White, often made pronouncements in
class three times, for emphasis: "Use vigorous words! Use vigorous
words! Use vigorous words!"
I myself think Salinger was having a bit of fun poking at academics
who rely upon "Zeitgeist" as if it were the SHIFT key. It's a nice
word, rolls around on the tongue, sounds authoritative enough to
stand on its own. And depending on the context, it can be nicely
abstract, to the point where nobody around you knows what the hell
you're talking about!
Obligatory Salinger reference: previous paragraph.
Non-obligatory E.B. White reference: I was fortunate, a couple of
years ago, to happen upon a genuine, original copy of "the little
book" written and published by Will Strunk. I have no idea why it
carries sentimental value for me, but it does. As does this crazy
list, which on some days manages me, rather than the other way around.
--tim