I'd love to read an updated version of the U/non-U thing. I've been reading quite a few books on language and how it evolves, and it's very clear that a word can go from "despised, only used by the ignorant masses" to "correct form" very quickly - and vice versa. I do wonder how many of the classic U words are still U. Could the publication of a book about it actually drive the change? - i.e. aspiring "non-U" people deliberately start using the "U" words, so the "properly U" people start not using them?
I'm always amazed at how attached people (including me) get to the "right" words. The sheer vitriol that a lot of people attach to "Americanisms." I read certain American usages and everything emotional in me cries out "This is wrong!" I have to consciously tell myself that this is, in fact, right in America (and, in some cases, was considered right over here four hundred years ago, too.)
You're right about Watching the English. Since you're finding this so interesting, I'm sure you'll love it. It will, however, cause you to look at everything you and others do in a different light.
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Date: 2008-01-18 08:54 am (UTC)I'm always amazed at how attached people (including me) get to the "right" words. The sheer vitriol that a lot of people attach to "Americanisms." I read certain American usages and everything emotional in me cries out "This is wrong!" I have to consciously tell myself that this is, in fact, right in America (and, in some cases, was considered right over here four hundred years ago, too.)
You're right about Watching the English. Since you're finding this so interesting, I'm sure you'll love it. It will, however, cause you to look at everything you and others do in a different light.