(_Apparently intended for some of our Contemporaries._)
SIR,--Of course I do not wish to be frivolous, but do you not think
that "_lovely_," "_too sweet_," "_quite too darling_," and other
expressions in italics are miss-used words? At any rate, they are
constantly in the mouths of my daughters and nieces.
Yours truly,
PATERFAMILIAS.
SIR,--I give a list of misused words that have occurred to me during
a month on the Continent. I put the words I consider inappropriately
applied in italics. Paris is _inexpensive_, Boulogne is _beautiful_,
Cologne is _inodorous_, German cookery is _good_, 'ARRY on his travels
is _pleasant_, garlic is _agreeable_, hotel charges in Italy
are _moderate_, railway travelling in Belgium is _expeditious_,
washing-basins in Swiss hotels are _large_, a rough passage across the
Channel is _delightful_, and the Continent is _like_ home.
I could extend the list indefinitely, but have written enough to show
how imperfect the English language really is to convey accurately
one's most ordinary ideas. I may add that when I have used and not
misused words, I have been told that I have no right to swear--so what
_can_ I do?
Yours truly,
COMMON SENSE.
SIR,--I am glad to see that there is a correspondence upon misused
words. However, I can say that such words as "excellent," "admirable,"
"wonderful," "splendid," and "glorious," are _not_ misused when
applied to ----.* Thanking you in advance,
I remain, yours truly,
PUFF PUFF.
* Editorially suppressed. Applications for insertion of
advertisements should be addressed to another quarter.
* * * * *