The Confession Booth

[deird_lj]

I have a confession to make.

About a week ago, I used the word "candy" in an internet discussion about lollies.

I'm so ashamed.

However, let me defend my actions by pointing out that I did NOT lapse into American English without thinking. On the contrary, I agonised over my decision for several minutes. Being a language snob, the very idea of compromising my love of the Aussie dialect was fairly horrifying.

On the other hand, I was in a discussion between Americans, in which the candy/lollies were not the main topic of conversation. And, at the end of the day, the important thing is that what I'm saying is actually understandable.

So, I gritted my teeth, and tentatively typed "candy" into my post, telling myself repeatedly that it was just this once, and wouldn't really affect my life. I could give it up any time I liked.

I have used the word "candy" in conversation, and I repent.






Side question: should I have said "the candy/lollies WERE not the main topic", or "the candy/lollies WAS not the main topic"? When one is singular and one is plural, it becomes slightly tricky...

Comments

[kirby1024.livejournal.com]

Hmm... My gut says were. In this context, I think that the pluralised form at the end makes it pretty clear whether to use the plural form. Further, candy can be read as a group noun, which would also use a plural form.

[the-starshadow.livejournal.com]

I dunno, part of me would rather be not understood, then use the wrong word....