I’m pecking away at “Creative Composition”, by McMaster and McMaster. It’s an English textbook targeted at Grades 9 and 10.
It’s interesting, if only because they rounded up two guys with equally cool sounding names and put them together. Here’s to you, R.J. and W.C!
It’s also interesting because it dates from 1963.
It has some gems. (Previous generations, look away!) Examining:
Chapter XIII: Build a Supply of Words – Lesson 5: Do Not Misuse Words
Intro – Don’t use slang, yada yada yada, it dates itself, etc. etc. etc, your boss won’t hire you, the peer pressure isn’t worth it…
25 common errors
3. awful: Awful means to fill with awe. Give the colloquial meaning of awful.
8. date: A date is a colloquial expression for engagement. How do you suppose date developed this meaning?
11. fix: Fix is a colloquial expression for repair. Give the correct meaning of ‘to fix’.
12.gotten: use got [How have things got so bad with the English language?]
20: mad: Mad means insane, not angry
24: terrible: Terrible means causing terror. How many of you misuse this word often? What do you really mean when you say something is terrible?
WC? RJ? I’m really sorry, but… you lost.
5 Responses to "Creative Composition"
I’m not sure what fix means, then… I assume the learned pair are not referring to a fix of illegal substances!
Fixed price; fixed bid; fixed position. Fixed as opposite of ‘loose’, I reckon.
Fix doesn’t even really mean “mend” any more. Or secure strongly.
Ah yes, good call!
For the record, etymonline.com dates the meaning of ‘repair’ for ‘fix’ back to 1737.