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The Confession Booth
Jan. 17th, 2007 09:02 amI 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...
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...
