The way I see it is: It's either Ante Meridian (before or pre-midday) or Post Meridian (after midday or "noon"). Either way, there's an "M" implied. Am I right?
Oh yes, I have a degree in Journalism and yes, I've read "Strunk and White". In fact, I own a copy, both in old school style (that means a "physical" book) and on my Kindle.
So, I didn't just pop out of some hollar and decide I could actually write.
I do try to do things "by the book", but lots of times, especially here or in other social media venues, I tend to be more lax and allow myself to write like I would speak. (these are two totally different animals in the writing kingdom).
If I were writing a research paper for school or composing a resume, my writing would be completely different.
That's what I find amazing and beautiful and wonderful and fun about words.
I've tried to teach my children that it's a little bit about WHAT you say, but more than that, a whole lot about HOW you say it that matters.
People want to hear what they want to hear. But, it's okay to bend the rules a little when it comes to the written word in a social media context. And I don't mean "text speak" (lordy-loo, I die a little when I think of that and people wonder why I despise texting?).
In the world of the Evil Twin's Wife, that's why voice mail was created. Chances are, I really don't want to speak to you any more than you want to speak to me, so leave a message. Just don't text me. And, if you do, leave the godforsaken "M" off after a time is mentioned. It's redundant and unnecessary, kittens!
Let's come up with our own catchy phrase, shall we? "If it's implied, it should not be supplied." Alright, hooligans, you have your first assignment. Give me something - ANYTHING - where the written standard should or could be changed and still make perfect sense. GO!
Happy Thursday, hooligans! Mommy loves you!
Love,
Gotta love it when reporters of all types say something like, "... at 10:00 a.m. *IN THE MORNING*." Umm, really? Same with thing "p.m. this evening/tomorrow night," etc.
ReplyDeleteI generally hold to the concept that we aren't writing senior thesis so don't get too hung up on grammar blunders. Sometimes things just send you over the edge, (ir)regardless. ;)
I have a problem with TV people when they say "We have breaking news and here from the "Breaking News Center" is our Joe Blow to tell you about it. Say breaking news once and let it go at that!!
ReplyDeleteI realize that is not related to writing, but it is all I can think of on 4 hours of sleep.
ReplyDelete"ATM machine" GAH!!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, now where the written standard should be changed? That's a tough one because as someone who writes to a standard for a living I have faith in the rules and that they are good. However, someone should do something about all the rules for hyphenation. Ain't nobody got time for all that.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of having a nice little journalism degree, I am fairly lazy when it comes to the written word. That may be why I work in construction.
ReplyDeleteI'm following Kenju into the "Breaking News Room" to request the following:
Please, in the name of all things good and decent, can we STOP making up random ways to pronounce words? Unless you were born in London and RAISED by the frigging BBC, do NOT refer to a garage as a 'gair-edge' or anything of the sort. You sound like a moron. SHUT UP. [Or, as they say here in the south, 'HUSH!']