ken@ihuxq.UUCP (ken perlow) (01/26/84)
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The best flame on the bogus word "flammable" may be found in
Strunk & White's manual of style. After noting that "flammable"
was emblazoned on tanker trucks carrying dangerous cargo because
some simpletons might mistake the "in-" prefix to mean "not",
the entry concludes with something to the effect of "Unless you
are illiterate or drive such a truck, prefer 'inflammable'."
Could someone with a Strunk & White handy post the thing verbatim?
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..ihnp4!ihuxq!ken *** ***lied@ihlts.UUCP (Bob Lied) (01/26/84)
*Flammable.* An oddity, chiefly useful in saving lives. The common word meaning "combustible" is *inflammable.* But some people are thrown off by the *in-* and think *inflammable* means "not combustible." For this reason, trucks carrying gasoline or explosives are now marked FLAMMABLE. Unless you are operating such a truck and hence are concerned with the safety of children and illiterates, use *inflammable.* "The Elements of Style," Strunk & White, pg. 47.