World Wide Words

Michael Quinion, the British etymologist, documents the meaning and derivation of words and phrases in the English language.

Covering etymology, grammar and neologisms (among others), my favourite aspect of World Wide Words (where he “writes on international English from a British viewpoint”) is the front page Sic! section highlighting common—yet amusing—errors:

Charlotte Metcalf’s food column in the Spectator for 13 September: “If anything, luxury food sales are rocketing and appear to be recession-proof. Mary Adams, buyer at Fortnum & Mason, says: ‘Grouse are literally flying off the counter.’”

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