1. GrumbleDook
    Perhaps this is being pedantic but in the following post London Riots the use of the word 'thieve' is frustrating. Whilst being a valid root verb it is never used in such as fashion, apart from as slang or in archaic mode ... and whilst using it in an archaic form can be interesting, it is the slang use which is so common. There is a perfectly good verb to be used in this context ... it has legal references and a healthy stock of usage ... steal.

    Of course, the verb may have been used like that to be ironic, but let's face it ... every time I hear it said in a school it frustrates me. I know they are told the correct language but it goes in one ear and out the other.

    Speaking to a friend last night before he went on duty he was explaining that one of the latest things being said by the yuff as they get nicked is that they don't understand "them coppers saying them things about talking or shutting up and court" (ie being read their rights). Part of me is tempted to get all Vetinari ... and treat them like mime artists. Hang them upside down over a pit with a notice on the wall "Learn the words" ... perhaps "Learn the language!"

    I'm off for a cuppa
  2. elsiegee40
    I agree that the spoken language has been appalling, but have to disagree with your opinion on thieving.

    It's use as a verb may be archaic, but that doesn't make it wrong simply because the speaker lacks the grammatical skills to use a more acceptable verb. Thieving has been in common use for a very long time; it simply became less fashionable than stealing. It's making a come-back now
  3. LeMarchand
    On feeving: if it was used knowingly, rather than in ignorance, I'd not object to it.

    On a slight tangent, I wonder if any of them could actually define what they mean by "respeck"? They all seem to want it, but how many could actually say what it means to them? (Beyond that the feds an the guvment should let them do ennyfing they want).
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