Robert Hartwell Fiske's Dictionary of Unendurable English: A Compendium of Mistakes in Grammar, Usage, and Spelling with Commentary on Lexicographers and LinguistsRobert Hartwell Fiske aims to eliminate laxity in language today by way of this witty and engaging reference. Fiske rails against "laxicographers and ding-a-linguists" who, with their misguided thinking, actually promote the dissolution of the English language. He also illustrates why dictionaries don't always provide the correct meaning or usage of a word. With concise instruction and numerous examples of misused words, Fiske makes it easier than ever to learn from others' mistakes. This comprehensive dictionary of common misusages lays bare the mistakes we all make every day. Robert Hartwell Fiske, the grumbling grammarian of our time, shows you the definitive right way and wrong way to use language--and illustrates why dictionaries don't always provide the correct meaning or usage of a word. |
Contents
Prologue | 1 |
Imprecation | 19 |
A Definition | 435 |
Appendix A Mock Merriam | 441 |
Appendix B The Fiske Ranking of College Dictionaries | 448 |
Notes | 454 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
activities adjective adverb Barack Obama believe better cliché College Dictionary Confused correct spelling course definition DELETE descriptive linguists disinterested distinction document drug editors English language enormity enthuse example expression favorite feel give going grammar high school historic human incorrect interest issues kowtow less lexicographers lexlings linguists literally look means relating Merriam-Webster Merriam-Webster's Misspelling movie never nonstandard noun offer okay Oxford American Dictionary Oxford English Corpus past participle past tense percent person phrase play plural police political prescriptivist Present Participle Past problem pronounced pronunciation reason refer regard Robert Hartwell sense sentence sherbet similar words slang someone sometimes misused sound speak spitting image synonym talk term things thought U.S. President usage notes variant spelling verb vitamen women writing