My parents’ generation all had jobs. Today’s workers, lucky creatures that we are, have “roles”. At least we did – until the financial crisis hit. (more…)
Archive for June, 2009
“Roles” versus “jobs”, or how the economic crisis has exposed an insidious corporate euphemism
Monday, June 15th, 2009Why I hate the comma splice
Friday, June 12th, 2009There’s a nasty little punctuation habit that instantly gives your age away. It’s called the comma splice, and I’ve noticed it’s mostly used by writers under the age of 35. (more…)
Letter in the FT: Financial crisis “expected” but not “anticipated”
Thursday, June 4th, 2009I’m very excited to have a letter in today’s FT. If you’ve ever been tempted to use the word “anticipate” as a synonym for “expect” (or felt grouchy at people who do) do take a look at it here.
Job titles, hyphens and inflationary language
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009Sometime last year our traffic wardens became “civil enforcement officers”. Actually, there had been an intermediary stage I’d missed when they were known as “parking attendants”.
Such inflationary language is, as ever, clearly laughable. (more…)
Strapline competition – we have a winner!
Monday, June 1st, 2009I’m pleased to announce that the winner of Friday’s strapline competition is Lucy Nixon. Here’s the winning entry:
That was fun! Here are my guesses:
1. Just do it
2. Think global; act local
3. The best a man can get
4. Every little helps
5. Refreshes the parts other beers cannot reach
6. It could be you
7. A Mars a day helps you work rest and play
8. No Financial Times, no comment
9. Let your fingers do the walking
10. The Future is Orange
Glad you found it a fun exercise, Lucy – we are clearly kindred spirits! A copy of Strunk and White will be winging its way over to you soon.
