contributor

Mark Peters

Mark Peters is a language columnist, lexicographer, and humorist who has written for Esquire, The Funny Times, New Scientist, Psychology Today, Salon, and Slate. He contributes to OUPblog and writes the Best Joke Ever column for McSweeney's. You can read Mark's own jokes on Twitter, such as, "I play by my own rules, which is probably why no one comes to my board game parties anymore."
19 20 21 22 23 Displaying 141-147 of 214 Articles

Dog Eared

Books we love

A Long, Loving Look at Writing Short
August 21, 2013
By Mark Peters

I'm jealous.

That's my 2-word review of How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times by Roy Peter Clark, who I assume will appreciate the brevity.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Malarkey-Inspired Euphemisms
August 7, 2013
By Mark Peters

Rebranding — which is a heckuva euphemism itself — has been the root cause of many euphemisms over the years, as fish have become sea kittens and rich jerks have become job creators. The latest attempt at ridiculous, retch-worthy rebranding is knowledge people: in other words, librarians.  Continue reading...
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Dog Eared

Books we love

David Crystal's Brilliant Demystification of English Spelling
July 24, 2013
By Mark Peters

Much like the government, the English spelling system is a popular punching bag. People love to kvetch about its inconsistencies and exceptions, lamenting the near-impossible task of learning to spell.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Honoring Hugh Rawson, Euphemism Scholar
July 2, 2013
By Mark Peters

Lexicographer Hugh Rawson died recently. Among other accomplishments, he wrote Rawson's Dictionary of Euphemisms and Other Doubletalk, a monumental, essential look at euphemisms that every language-lover should own. I can't recommend it enough.  Continue reading...
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Dog Eared

Books we love

"How to Not Write Bad" Is Not Bad at All
June 11, 2013
By Mark Peters

How to Not Write Bad — by the prolific Ben Yagoda — is an original, amusing, practical take on the writing self-help book. Yagoda points out that most writing book are about writing well, then makes the refreshing observation that writing well is beyond most people.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Ladies' Night at the Euphemism Bar
June 5, 2013
By Mark Peters

I believe in equality: in society and in columns. Last month, I looked at the prolific use of gentleman in euphemisms. This month, I turn to lady. Lady euphs prove something I always suspected: the English language is seldom a well-behaved lady, but it always shows you a good time.  Continue reading...
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Word Count

Writers Talk About Writing

"Yes, I Could Care Less": A Mixed Bag
May 15, 2013
By Mark Peters

There are two books here. I love one of them, but I don't care for the other. Somehow, they're both Yes, I Could Care Less: How to Be a Language Snob Without Being a Jerk by Washington Post copy editor Bill Walsh.  Continue reading...
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19 20 21 22 23 Displaying 141-147 of 214 Articles