[DomLuka] Shutters and shudders

[fatboyfat]

I've read an awful lot of fiction on the 'net now where the author states that somebody "shutters". I can only assume that the author did not mean that they were parts of a camera or indeed shielding a window and that instead the author meant the word "shudder".

 

Often the stories that I read this in are incredibly well written - much better than anything I could ever write - with a good vocabulary, but then this glaring mistake. So I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps quite a few people really genuinely think that "shutter" is a verb meaning "to shake suddenly and briefly, esp. because of an unpleasant thought or feeling".

 

Anyone willing to own up to thinking this?

 

Or is this some new use of the word shudder in American English which hasn't reached British English?

 

OK I'll take my pedant's hat off now.

 

Cheers,

Neil

 

Edit: thought I'd better correct the mistakes in my post if I was going to be a pedant!!

Edited June 12, 2005 by fatboyfat

[DomLuka]

Um... Pretty sure I

[fatboyfat]

Ah well dyslexia is obviously a valid reason for this kind of error. I have a good friend who is somewhat dyslexic, and he suffers from a lack of self confidence when it comes to writing. It's good to see that not all dyslexics have that problem!

 

I don't remember seeing it in any of your stories Dom, but then again they're so good that I tend to be reading them as fast as possible to find out what happens!

 

I've just read my first post again and I hope that nobody reads it as being in any way insulting - I posted it out of curiousity for other people's views!

 

Anyway keep up the good work Dom

 

Cheers,

Neil

[sat8997]

I read quite a bit, both net and published and I've conditioned myself to overlook typos. I think some of them, as your example of 'shutter' and 'shudder' come more from a regional dialect/phonetic difference. People tend to type/write the way they speak or pronounce words.

 

Mixing up similar words such as 'your' and 'you're' can drive me nuts when I'm reading but it happens so I just deal. The one I see most is 'there' and 'their' (see Dom's latest blog entry ). Spell check helps but I have a really bad habit of correctly spelling the incorrect word so I try to proof read everything several times. Usually just after printing I spot a goof.

 

I get a kick out of reading things from you Brits. Not only do you have a funny accent, you spell wierd too !! You tend to add a 'u' to words that don't need them.

 

Sharon

 

'Dyslexics Of The World Untie'

[fatboyfat]

I read quite a bit, both net and published and I've conditioned myself to overlook typos. I think some of them, as your example of 'shutter' and 'shudder' come more from a regional dialect/phonetic difference. People tend to type/write the way they speak or pronounce words.

I guess that is probably most of the reason. Of course this is how the language evolves. Perhaps in a few years 'shutter' will be in the dictionary with that meaning. I guess it depends on how widespread the error actually becomes.

Mixing up similar words such as 'your' and 'you're' can drive me nuts when I'm reading but it happens so I just deal. The one I see most is 'there' and 'their' (see Dom's latest blog entry  ). Spell check helps but I have a really bad habit of correctly spelling the incorrect word so I try to proof read everything several times. Usually just after printing I spot a goof.

I always spot typos in the first print. Almost to the point where I've given up proof reading on the screen and just printing it. For some reason the errors are easier to spot in printed form.

I get a kick out of reading things from you Brits. Not only do you have a funny accent, you spell wierd too !! You tend to add a 'u' to words that don't need them. 

Perhaps I should ask you what your favourite colour is then? Or perhaps something about a theatre in the centre of town? One thing that always amuses me is the way Americans seem to confuse us Brits and them Aussies. I don't know if you've ever watched House with Hugh Laurie (a Brit playing an American) and Jesse Spencer (an Aussie playing a Brit), but it always amuses me!

Sharon

 

'Dyslexics Of The World Untie'

Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac? He lay awake at night wondering if there really was a dog.

 

Cheers,

Neil

[BoyNeedsTherapy]

I get a kick out of reading things from you Brits. Not only do you have a funny accent, you spell wierd too !! You tend to add a 'u' to words that don't need them.

Don't you mean that you guys leave the u's out of words, since technically it was our language first? lol

[Davey]

Im with Ben here, we had it first so deal! LOL

[fatboyfat]

<humour>

It's typical isn't it? We give them their country and their language, they make a royal mess of it (or should that be presidential mess? ), and they don't show one ounce of appreciation.

</humour>

 

Yes I mean humour and not humor. LOL

 

Cheers,

Neil

[Masked Monkey]

We saved your butts in how many wars (after kicking it in the most improtant one) and all we ask in return is a few 'u's . But no, you pretentious Brits get all high and mighty that it is 'your' language. Just be thankful you aren't speaking German and shut up.

 

:king: Snow Dog

 

PS blame the attitude on the Michael Jackson jury

Edited June 13, 2005 by Snow Dog

[fatboyfat]

Jawohl, Herr Snow Dog.

 

[DruonGrawal]

Oh no, keep my mother tongue out of it. I had to endure enough quotes from Castle Wolfenstein, Bavaria or Ramstein (the band, not the location), they will last for at least two lifetimes.

 

Back to American English vs. British English: I think it is a matter of taste. Personally, I tend to prefer BE, as it kinda has more 'sound' to it, especially when you are enjoying something of artistic value, like a good novel, poetry or a speech. AE shines in those comfy moments among friends and buddies.

 

Wind in your fur and stars in your eyes,

 

LazyWolf

[Sugarmag]

When it comes to writing I really have no preference, but who can resist a man with a sexy British accent.

 

Since were on the subject of the British, when ever someone mentions a group of people uniting I get The Smiths stuck in my head.

"Shoplifters of the world unite and take over."

 

Mag

[reapersharvest]

I don't mean for this to be taken the wrong way, but I've come to rely on the Brits' sense of protection of their language. To be fair, if you spread you language across half the free world, you may get some interesting results, but it does help to have someone keeping an eye on us colonials.

[fatboyfat]

Some good points here.

 

LazyWolf, I know what you mean about American English being better in for situations between friends - I think this is especially so in the written word. Whenever I read British stories that cover conversations between friends, I find that the conversation seems odd to me - even though I use the same sentences and structures every day. Perhaps it's me that's odd!

 

SugarMag, I'm interested in knowing exactly what you think a sexy British accent sounds like. Are we talking an "I say old chap, a jolly spiffing day" type of aristocratic accent? A slightly more normal James Bond-ish accent? I find it hard to believe you could be thinking of Scousers Of course personally I think it's hard to beat the Scottish accent, as long as it's not too thick. Very sexy!

 

reapersharvest, we're starting to get a new form of English now in Britain that I like to call Inglish, and it is spoken only by the Indians who staff the call centres that are so very popular here these days. It sounds like English, but at the same time doesn't.

[Davey]

Ha Ha how true. I hate these call centres Yesterday I got a call from T Mobile trying to sell me a contract mobile, Best is the guy couldn't even say my name!

Then when I call my bank on the Local number i get transfered to some far off place in India. Whats so wrong with letting me speak to my branch!Thats my little moan over wth!

 

Dave

[Sugarmag]

Well I guess it's hard for me to specify since I'm just an ignorant American.

 

Of course the James Bond-ish accent is sexy, but I guess i have to say I do like Scouse too. When I think of a Scouser I can't help but think of John Lennon. I have always loved him.

 

Mag

[Masked Monkey]

I went to a small, private college for undergrad. In my sophomore year my friend and I took a class at an associated nearby college. My friend immigrated from England when she was 13, and was very much British in her speech and writing. When she got her first paper back, she as told to stop using the British spelling of words because it made her writing too pretentious. Her only response to the professor was 'but that is how colour and neighbour are spelled'

 

Once again I tell a story that 1) has no point and 2) isn't funny

 

reasons 27a&b that I am not a writer

 

:king: Snow Dog

[Conner]

I went to a small, private college for undergrad.  In my sophomore year my friend and I took a class at an associated nearby college.  My friend immigrated from England when she was 13, and was very much British in her speech and writing.  When she got her first paper back, she as told to stop using the British spelling of words because it made her writing too pretentious.  Her only response to the professor was 'but that is how colour and neighbour are spelled'

 

Once again I tell a story that 1) has no point and 2) isn't funny

 

reasons 27a&b that I am not a writer

 

:king: Snow Dog

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If you need more reasons, Snow Dog, let me know. I'm a team player and would enjoy supporting you on this point.

 

That's humour btw, with the 'u' included. If it's pretentious then so be it.

 

My reasons for never being a writer are much shorter. I'm lazy and undisciplined so why fight it. Mind you, I believe I would make a great editor. That must be the pretentiousness in me. I like being right.

 

I call upon a Brit for support in this, "Unto thine self, be true."

 

Hugs,

Conner

[fatboyfat]

Dave, the best example of Inglish I had was when I was transferring my mobile number over to 3 and I had to phone their Indian customer services. They told me that it would take a few days, and in fact that it would take place on the 3rd March. Except the woman said the "turd of match". Now when the Irish say third as turd it just seems endearing to me but with an Indian accent it was downright hilarious. I was having troubles not laughing! Perhaps I am just evil.

 

Mag, can't say I agree on the Scouser thing - but to each their own!

 

Conner, I agree with your sentiments on writing exactly. I'm too lazy to give it a go. And I think I would be a good editor, but I'm too lazy to actually volunteer!

 

Neil

[Davey]

The big problem I have with speakers of 'Inglish' is I speak with a funny accent its king of mixed cause when we were younger we moved around a lot, Im a bit glaswegien with a strong hint of highland chookyness mixed in, plus my bf's london accent is begining to wear onto me . so these Inglish speakers don't stand a chance!

[sat8997]

Perhaps I should ask you what your favourite colour is then?

 

Ourange

 

Sharon

[Conner]

Perhaps I should ask you what your favourite colour is then?

 

Ourange

 

Sharon

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Sharon - you've never been given the proper acknowledgement for this very clever response. Good one!

 

ok, now how about your favourite flavour? (btw, you can't use ourange again, just cause).

 

Hugs,

Conner

[sat8997]

Perhaps I should ask you what your favourite colour is then?

 

Ourange

 

Sharon

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Sharon - you've never been given the proper acknowledgement for this very clever response. Good one!

 

ok, now how about your favourite flavour? (btw, you can't use ourange again, just cause).

 

Hugs,

Conner

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Licourice

 

Sharon

[Iuvart]

  Just be thankful you aren't speaking German and shut up. 

 

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

What's wrong with German? At least we can differentiate between our friends and enemies when adressing them.

[Masked Monkey]

  Just be thankful you aren't speaking German and shut up. 

 

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

What's wrong with German? At least we can differentiate between our friends and enemies when adressing them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

there is nothing a priori wrong with German. I was simply reminding the sphinctor spasmed Monarchists that we saved said sphinctors and all we asked for was a few "u"s removed from the language.

 

:king: Snow Dog