Comments on: Grifter.

By: Song

Song — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 22:05:33 +0000

“I like to think both my ignorance and my arrogance have improved.” — Toni

I, for one, appreciate finely honed ignorance and arrogance. ;-)

By: Toni

Toni — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:28:41 +0000

Great response, Jackie!

Here is a fun exercise for those who want or need (or both) to improve their vocabulary:

Take your regular school or desk dictionary and open to a random page. Put your finger on a word and read the definition. If you don’t understand ALL of the words in the definition, move along to read about the definitions of those words, too. If you do understand all the words in the first choice, re-do the initial part of the exercise. This can be a lot of fun; especially in light of some of the words added to our dictionaries over the last 15 or so years.

By: Toni

Toni — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:20:07 +0000

Here is a fun exercise for those who want to improve their vocabulary:

By: Toni

Toni — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:15:09 +0000

Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do! My report cards from the many years I attended school in this country all say I studied “English”. If Yancy’s comment is true and we all speak American; I was fulfilling my foreign language requirement all along. I guess I didn’t need to waste my time on German and Spanish credits. Darn!

By: Toni

Toni — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:10:40 +0000

JB – I can certainly agree with you on one thing! We do live in a country of ignorance and arrogance on several counts. Education is high on the list. It has been my privilege to be acquainted with people from all over the world because we have the world wide web. I have found relatives in Germany; and made friends in Scotland, Ireland, Belgium and Australia. I’ve possibly made some enemies along the way as well. My point is this, though: the education of United States citizens more than pales when compared to other countries’ efforts. I found this out the hard way, by personal embarrassment and experience. I have been handed a golden opportunity for me to improve my communication skills and my knowledge of literature and world history. I like to think both my ignorance and my arrogance have improved.

By: Toni

Toni — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:57 +0000

Bravo, Jimmy!

By: Toni

Toni — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 23:57:12 +0000

I think knowing words like grifter as a part of your regular vocabulary depends largely upon your age. People who were alive in the 1930s American depression are well aware of this word and its exact meaning. Unfortunately, that group is dying out now, and their slang (which this word was in its infancy) is passing from daily use. Education would certainly play a part in knowing this definition as well, provided you were studying literature and history. Just as an example, I can tell you that the spell-checker on my new computer did not recognize the word grifter at all.

Indeed, different accents prevail all over the United States these days. However, that is not new to our country; it is just a phenomena that is “making the rounds” again. Other countries all over the planet have been experiencing multiple accents and multiple dialects of their native languages far longer than we have.

“Like, 5%…” is not proper English; it is part of a type of jargon or slang popularized in the 1980s. The jargon was called “Valley Girl”, and named for a way of expressing popular slang in certain areas of California. As I recall, Marin Co. and Silicone Valley may have been primary centers. Or, I could be entirely mistaken about those counties – but I’m sure of the state.

What I enjoyed about your comment is that you have an excellent grip on the fact that we, as a country, are lacking in formal verbal skills. That means you also know there is room for change and learning!

By: JB

JB — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:42:25 +0000

Jackie, you just cracked me up! Thanks so much for the endorphins!

By: JB

JB — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:40:09 +0000

Very well put, Grant! Thank you for an intelligent comment. : )

By: JB

JB — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:36:53 +0000

I absolutely agree with your statement. However, as someone stated earlier, to say “American” is an actual language is rediculous. USA English is different than British English, both written and spoken. That said, there are regional differences in English within the USA.

For the most part, I like these differences; they make living more interesting, more colorful.

Cheers!

By: JB

JB — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:26:41 +0000

You’ve GOT to be kidding me! American is a language?! Oh my goodness, I have a side ache from laughing so hard! Also, please refer to my reply to Chino (see above).

My fellow countrypersons are so arrogant…
My deepest apologies to the rest of the world. You know, besides “America”. (snicker snicker)

Words DO matter. Think about it…

Cheers!

By: JB

JB — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:17:44 +0000

Chino, Chino, Chino…

Not only did you embarrass yourself, you’ve embarrassed me! As someone else stated – “this” is the WORLD Wide Web – not “America”! As a US citizen, I must also point out that “America” could be South America, Central America, or North America. I’m assuming you ignorantly meant North America, which I might add, could be Mexico, USA, or Canada. So, if one is an American, they could be speaking French, English, Spanish, Mayan, etc.

Again, I was born and live in the USA and I can’t stand it when people say America when they mean US, USA, or the States – it’s egotistical! Sorry, but even though I’m the minority, this subject is a huge pet peeve of mine. I live in a country of ignorance and arrogance – a dangerous combination!

So, Chino, please THINK before you write or speak. Because you know, you are representing “America” (and her many countries!).

Cheers!