Re: the word "quote" is a verb

Tim O'Connor (tim@roughdraft.org)
Thu, 04 Nov 1999 07:06:12 -0500

At 3:07 AM -0600 on 11/4/1999, Matt wrote, about "Zeitgeist":

> They would blink, a little indifferently, the bulk of them wondering
> whether the "z" was supposed to be pronounced flatly or as "ts," with
> the few who knew for sure trying to make out the trick by which I,
> uncertain myself, had garbled the consonant so as to make it
> undecidable.

There is always the technique suggested by Strunk and White in The 
Elements of Style (a copy of which, inexplicably, I don't have at 
hand): "If you don't know how to pronounce something, say it loud!" 
I don't think I have the nerve (I've tried it) but it is a nice idea. 
Will Strunk, according to E.B. White, often made pronouncements in 
class three times, for emphasis:  "Use vigorous words!  Use vigorous 
words!  Use vigorous words!"

I myself think Salinger was having a bit of fun poking at academics 
who rely upon "Zeitgeist" as if it were the SHIFT key.  It's a nice 
word, rolls around on the tongue, sounds authoritative enough to 
stand on its own.  And depending on the context, it can be nicely 
abstract, to the point where nobody around you knows what the hell 
you're talking about!

Obligatory Salinger reference: previous paragraph.

Non-obligatory E.B. White reference: I was fortunate, a couple of 
years ago, to happen upon a genuine, original copy of "the little 
book" written and published by Will Strunk.  I have no idea why it 
carries sentimental value for me, but it does.  As does this crazy 
list, which on some days manages me, rather than the other way around.

--tim