You go out of your way to understand how to use language correctly. That’s a good thing when you’re a writer.
It may, however, lead to your wanting to correct and/or strangle someone when they misuse a word. This isn’t such a good thing when that someone is your spouse’s boss during the dinner party to announce who gets promotions. (Does this scenario ever happen outside of Bewitched? Let’s pretend it does.)
You will encounter people who use “irony” in the Morissettian sense. Sometimes it might be interesting for them to hear your take on the matter. Other times you need to ask yourself if you’re actually being helpful or condescending and argumentative. Earn the “I know what irony is, but I don’t have to be a jerk about it” merit badge by learning to restrain yourself when appropriate.
When it comes to people who misuse “literally,” though? Have at it. Those creeps need to be put in their place.
This is part of the merit badges for writers series, and may be posted on your site or blog. Have you earned this badge? Will you never earn it? Tell us why in the comments.
3 Comments
I have high standards for myself, but I’m pretty laid back about how other people use the language, for all intensive purposes. Really, I could care less, accept when writers make a cliched illusion to illicit a reaction. Than the affect can undermine there point.
Anyways. I’m taking this badge.
casey, i guffawed. no really. i did.
Thank you, Mari! Em inspires the silly. (She also inspires the setting goals & the getting things done, so it’s all good.)
Em, I wanted to say I think this post is so funny, and I loved the links! I had never seen any of those before, and I laughed at each one. You always have the best and most interesting links! (I just couldn’t think of a way to work that into my first comment without being obnoxious. Er, obnoxiouser.)
One Trackback
[...] Irony Merit Badge is intended for those of us who take care of our own use of language, and leave others alone about [...]