the English language

[winterbadger]

Thanks to geekchick for the following quote from this discussion; too funny!

Among the reasons it can be difficult to be a grammar-whore, grammar-nazi, grammar-temple-concubine or what have you, is the fact that English does not merely borrow words from other languages. English chases other languages into dark alleys, clubs them over the head and turns out their pockets looking for loose vocabulary.

This process is, to put it gently, not pretty.

edited to add this source: Booker T. Washington

We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.

Comments

[blackperson.livejournal.com]

This needs to be a t-shirt.

Because seriously. I snorted when I read it.

[winterbadger]

Apparently someone's put it on one; one of the other people in the conversation has seen one (or a version of it).

http://www.livejournal.com/community/grammar_whores/2434683.html

Bless Mr. Washington for giving us a wonderful quote to go along with all his work race and education...