Monthly Archives: October 2011

Bloody idioms

Posted on October 31, 2011 by

  It’s a special Halloween edition of Grammar Party. In the spirit of all things bloody and gory, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular English idioms involving blood. I hope it doesn’t make your … Continue reading →

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Irregardless: use at your own risk

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

irregardless: regardless —Merriam-Webster Dictionary Etymology Irregardless is likely a blend of irrespective and regardless. People have been using irregardless since at least the 1870s.[i] Usage controversy An easy way to elicit groans from your snooty peers is to pepper your … Continue reading →

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Frequently misused words: irony, ironic, ironically

Posted on October 26, 2011 by

  irony: a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often wryly amusing as a result —Oxford English Dictionary Etymology Irony comes from the Latin word ironia, which comes from Greek … Continue reading →

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Frequently misused words: literally

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

  literally: in a literal sense or manner; actually —Merriam-Webster Etymology Literally comes from the word literal. People began using it in the 1530s to mean in a literal sense.[i] Usage controversy What is happening to literally is a lot … Continue reading →

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Frequently misused words: unique

Posted on October 24, 2011 by

unique: being the only one —Merriam-Webster Imagine this situation: A lady selling her wares on a TV shopping channel tells you that she has a deal you can’t resist. It’s for a unique, one-of-a-kind porcelain Lady Diana doll. There are … Continue reading →

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