palmer (02/20/83)
Apparently, P.M. Trudeau has introduced the word 'allegate', (the act of making allegations) to replace allege. Is there any way of fighting this word before it spreads to other governments? David Palmer
mat (02/21/83)
The solution to Mr. Trudeau's use of the alleged word ``alledgate'' involves first teaching Mr. Trudeau English. I recall reading that in France, using a word that is not in the government published dictionary can invalidate a legal document in which it is used. Perhaps if we could render void any sentence in which Mr. T. abuses the flexibilities of the English language, we would be able to apply corrective pressure. But since, I suspect, most of Mr. T. speeches are already devoid of useful content, this remedy is probably not available. Perhaps we should give the Unicorn Hunters our support, and publicize their efforts as much as possible. I wonder what they would say about ``posslq''. Any Unicorn Hunters on the net? Anyone know if they publish a list of abuses and abusers other than the annual condemnations? Don't allegate that this is funny ! Mark Terribile
kenr (02/21/83)
I don't think anything can be done, except to standardize the English language. For every incorrect word on the order of "allegate", "orientate", "administrate", there is a proper word such as "anticipate", "participate", "exculpate". I guess birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, people gotta form verbs from nouns ending in '-ation' by dropping that suffix and adding '-ate'. Your pal, Ken Rhodes P.S. Anyone wishing to excoriate me (there's another correct '-ate' verb) may do so at their leisure.
jah (02/25/83)
Perhaps we could try to get government figures to prioritize there speaking commitments and use less verbification. Or was it Al Haig who said all that?