[image source] We Australians aren’t really much for learning languages other than English. We’re quite comfy in our dominant language, and when travelling overseas – or to areas of Australia where English isn’t the vast-majority language – many of us… Read More ›
language
use, misuse and cynical manipulation of language in common and specialist speech and writing
Follow up on NSW RSPCA Campaign: In which the NSW RSPCA continues to see Violated Women as a means to an end
Our Guest Hoyden author is regular commentor Su. In April Lauredhel blogged the NSW RSPCA Community Service Announcement that contained scenes of a man beating and kicking a woman, overdubbed with audio of a yelping dog. The justification for the… Read More ›
Bob Ellis: sexist scum
Rather bemused to find this story through Shakesville via Mark Steyn via Tim Blair via Currency Lad, but they’ve got Bob Ellis bang to rights regarding this column for ABC’s Unleashed. I’m getting to hate this woman. Her towering frigidity,… Read More ›
Horrid neologism of the Day
effectuating as in “effectuating real change”. Please, sweet Flying Spaghetti Monster, make the compulsive adding of redundant syllables stop.
Misogyny hurting men
Here’s an example of misogyny hurting men — because the ultimate put-down of a man is to equate him to a woman. If we fight [for] the idea that being a woman is not something to be sneered at, we… Read More ›
Failing to see the wood for the trees
Lisa Cuprio’s main thesis in Women keep maiden names for more than feminist reasons is this: In the past, women who declined to take their husbands’ names might be considered careerists or feminists. Today, a new breed of women who… Read More ›
Headline of the Day
Your headline du jour, courtesy of the Herald Sun: ‘Raped’ nurse may return to work I notice that it has hastily been switched to “Nurse in rape case may return to work”.
Telemarketing: You gotta get your amusement where you can
I was just telling this tale over at the Pavlov Blog, on the “Don’t Call Me Mrs.” thread. Some of you have heard it before, but here it is again anyhow. ~~~ [ring ring.] “Hello?” “Hello. Is Dr Lauredhel there?”… Read More ›
Troy Buswell: In His Own Words
[image source] Has anyone noticed a particular pattern in the speech of Troy Buswell, Leader of the WA Liberal Party? ABC News: “Walker-Buswell meeting set for today” quotes Buswell as saying: “I always have and will continue to respect Sue’s… Read More ›
2008 State of the Union tag cloud: addressing priorities and themes
This tag cloud was generated from the 2008 State of the Union address. The words which come up in the very largest font are no surprise. Saddening to see “liberty, freedom, progress, peace” quite so much smaller than “terrorist, security,… Read More ›