I wrote an email containing the word "organized", and the spell checker in my email app flagged it and insisted that it's spelled "organised". What the heck, I did as it told me.
Then I copied some text from it into a blog post at my unknown spiritual blog, and the spell checker in the browser flagged the word and insisted that it is spelled "organized".
Isn't this typical of the world, even if you try to be as correct and obedient as you can, you still can't do it right, because the authorities don't even agree.
I remember all the -ised words were spelt with an "s" (ess) in Britain, and spelled with a "z" (zee) in American. Then I checked and found that the OED preferred spellings were with a "z" (zed).
ReplyDeleteHeck, the American spell checkers don't even like "spelt"
Welcome to a world where Americans bastardise English, and insist on spelling words 'their' way!
ReplyDeleteJust looked at my Websters Third.
ReplyDeleteUS, typically ize, UK typically -ise.
In actuality, words with a Greek stem should get the z, and those with a Latin/French etymology get the s.
Kinda wish I had a flat bed scanner so you could read it. Oh, camera, right.
@Alex: 'spelt' ain't a word anyways.
ReplyDelete@Philocaleest: There's the British English, and there's the US English. Has zero to do with 'bastardization' at all. Just simple derivations of the same basic language.
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Having lived in Canada for a few years, I usually try to communicate in writing in sync with the audience or persons I'm writing to.
Do you know what the difference is between a violin and a Webster's Third dictionary is?
--- the violin will burn longer.
Robb, I'm assuming that's Houston in the US. Spelt is a word in English, though it is not in U.S. English. A lot of words that are UK only get at least a "Chiefly Brit." entry in the US dictionaries, but spelt doesn't. I thought I was going crazy when spell checkers kept rejecting spelt and learnt. Luckily I still have dictionaries I brought over with me, and my sanity was preserved.
ReplyDeleteLike Robb, I try to go with the local vocabulary, it's easier to be understood. In professional communications I try to use the language variant I'm required to (predominantly US English right now), in my personal writing I opt for the UK. Of course, sometimes I just get it wrong.
This being an international forum I tend to mix it up, and try to add some Scouse.
Robb, I'm assuming that's Houston in the US. Spelt is a word in English, though it is not in U.S. English. A lot of words that are UK only get at least a "Chiefly Brit." entry in the US dictionaries, but spelt doesn't. I thought I was going crazy when spell checkers kept rejecting spelt and learnt. Luckily I still have dictionaries I brought over with me, and my sanity was preserved.
ReplyDeleteLike Robb, I try to go with the local vocabulary, it's easier to be understood. In professional communications I try to use the language variant I'm required to (predominantly US English right now), in my personal writing I opt for the UK. Of course, sometimes I just get it wrong.
This being an international forum I tend to mix it up, and try to add some Scouse.
@Alex: Yes - Houston is in the great nation of Texas, USA. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to educate myself on the word 'spelt' - interesting that you mention that it's a word.
Of course, if you go to other parts of the USA, like Alabama, and Tennessee and some areas of Hillbilly land aka Virginia, the word might be 'translated' as 'done spailled'.
I guess, as long as the basic meaning comes across, that's really all that counts, unless someone wants to be professional.
Turns out "spelt" is also a grain.
ReplyDeleteOne place where spelling comes awry is in closed captions, particularly the US captioning of UK shows. WGBH do a great job, but once in a while they put in the wrong word, simply because the word actually used is some weird slang, and it kinda sounds like a real word which fits, but not quite.
Alex, you must have figured out by now that Robb's an idiot. He just seems to enjoy proving it over and over. When people like him insist on talking out of their ass, it's best just to sit back and watch them make a fool of themselves.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of life in Lebanon. Where every rooster rules over his own corner of the courtyard, you could say. You can never be sure about the nit-pecking order.
ReplyDeleteHeck, the American spell checkers don't even like "spelt"
Jolly good, old chap! I say, now you've really spilt the beans, and what not!
It's complicated enough to learn English, but now you have two learn to... I mean, to learn two different englishs... englishes... englie... angles... oh, whatever!
"Welcome to a world where Americans bastardise English, and insist on spelling words 'their' way!"
Ain't revenge sweet after 200 years, Philocalist? ;-)
"The English are coming! The English are coming! One if by land, two if by see!"
"Oh my God, they've killed Kenny!
- You English bastards!"
Robb in Houston said...
"@Philocaleest:"...
Shit, how did THAT pass the spell check? LOL
"Spert" is a word in Engrish! Konnichi wa! ;-)
Alex,
Scouse? As in, "scousi, signor"? (^_^)
Sono pazzi, questi romani! These Romans are crazy, by Belenos.
Just kidding you. I have a dictionary too. I even use it sometimes. :-D
"the word might be 'translated' as 'done spailled'."
Ooooooohhhhhhh!
Chute, why didn't you say so raht away, cowboy? Ah almowst neeyded hayulp with that wahn.
Anon spewed...
"Alex, you must have figured out by now that Robb's an idiot."
How's the therapy going with your delusions of adequacy, Josie hunnee?
Yo mama had such high expectations for you. She hoped you'd move out of the house some day.
Ain't dat da tooth!
FART! SssssMOKIN'!
"talking out of their ass"? Ooh! Ooh! Ace Ventura always makes me go a big rubbery one!