contributorMark 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.
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Evasive ManeuversEuphemisms old and newLadies' 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.
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Word CountWriters 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.
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Evasive ManeuversEuphemisms old and newGentleman Turkeys and Other High-Class Gobbledygook May 2, 2013 By Mark Peters
Do gentlemen exist anymore? The word feels old-fashioned and paleolithic in the era of dudes, bros, and creeps. However, the word gentleman has a long, vibrant history as a euphemism. That history is worth celebrating. In the spirit of a recent column on angels, here's a look at the critters and crimes gentleman has coddled and concealed.
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Evasive ManeuversEuphemisms old and newSlingin' Blue-Eyed American Slang April 3, 2013 By Mark Peters
Over the past couple of years, I've done several columns on massive dictionaries that have been recently completed or published, like the Dictionary of American Regional English and Green's Dictionary of Slang. Unfortunately, not all lexicographical projects have such a happy ending.
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Evasive ManeuversEuphemisms old and newReal Euphemisms From the Pig Farm March 6, 2013 By Mark Peters
I've gone theme-happy with this column in recent months, looking at euphemisms for death, pregnancy, 30 Rock, and angels. Enough cohesion! It's time for a random roundup of terms that have crossed my eye, brightened my day, and befuddled my brain.
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Dog EaredBooks we love"Trench Talk": A Compelling Look at the Words of WWI February 11, 2013 By Mark Peters
Any news event brings new terms and phrases to life while reinvigorating old ones. Look how the recent Presidential election spread malarkey, binders full of women, and bayonets across headlines and tweets. Forevermore, those words will jog the memory of anyone who was paying attention to the 2012 election.
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