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Subject:Re: pc-manmonth - I had to say it From:April Anderson <April_Anderson -at- PBP -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 29 Apr 1999 11:17:06 -0400
While I agree that the word 'niggardly' probably wouldn't show up in any
of my technical writing (I'd use stingy, which more people understand
although I can't imagine why I'd write anything about being stingy) I
disagree with those who say we should stop using it because it offends
people.
If I use the word in conversation and someone is offended, I'll be happy
to share with them the word's roots in 14th century Scandinavia.
As tech writers, language is our main tool and our ally. Just because
we're trying to make things understandable doesn't mean we always have to
dumb the language down to one and two syllable words. English is an
eclectic, colorful thing. No one can know everything. Ignorance is to be
expected, but we shouldn't surrender to it. Unlike stupidity, ignorance
has a cure.
I'm still trying to figure out how schools in conservative areas get away
with distributing condiments. <G>
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You can come along for the ride but don't drag your feet.
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April Anderson
Asst. Editor
Clean Air News
610-695-8600 x291
