Word flippers. Up, Chuck.

Here’s a bit of a reach. (DSM/AWI/Hannes Grobe/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Word flippers, like house flippers, are ready to rip out things up. Toss the traditional.

Even Autumn, feeling edgy, adopts a street name, Fall, to be flip and cool. So what’s next? Stormy? Windy? Sunny? Sounds a bit tawdry like the stripper names in that old joke. What creative the tags the other seasons will adopt?

The Pope has “self-honesty” rather than simply being “honest” or  “truthful” (On the scene reporter popped this gem). Oh well, guess the selfie crowd would stick with that.

“Actively assertive”, “aggressive” or “using physical persuasion” used to be called “hitting”, “fighting” or “assault and battery.” New phrasing is much less judgmental and negative. Suitable. Less Rock ’em, Sock ’em these days, in language anyway.

Good to stay current.

Open concept? I promise it will be wide open after shoving a few letters around.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

As electrifying as that is, one repurposing of a word makes me sizzle: “up”.

It’s still directional, yes, but traditionally it was “raise the speed limit”,”raise the security levels”, “raise productivity”, “raise awareness”, or “raise the rent”, not “up” them.

The level’s revised moniker makes me want to throw up and I don’t mean hands or basketballs, Chuck.

Perhaps remodeling phrases with “up” is a considerate attempt so 3 year olds and speakers of languages other than English can understand and appreciate the news.

Everyone knows what “up” means while “raise”? That word is so vague with multiple meanings – like with crops or children. See? Confusing when used with children, right?

Even “raise’s” sound can be confusing. Did he say “raise”, “rays”, or “raze”? (Who reads these days/daze?) Sensible to find an alternative. Everyone clearly understands “up”.

Blame it on Give texting the credit. Simply upped up.

Heads up! Sigh or scythe. Both can cut.©

Leaping language,

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

 A couple of blogs with language at play:

• You Knew What I Meant. Errors and Intentions
• Word Jazz
• Mere Inkling

If you haven’t seen the upside down hot air balloon that flew over Las Vegas recently, fly here. Ups the stakes quite a bit.

Whazup? No clue as to how this picture happened. Double image. iPhone always ups the mystery.©