Re: footnote 1 -- those same individuals went on to become plumbers, probably. Lots of now-provocative terminology employed to name parts, leaving 20-60 year old men cackling like their sense of humor never aged past 12.
The use of minimal verbiage with maximal impact is to most a lost art. And for all the volume of old books and old novels, the language is often clearer than the best newer books have to offer.
I recently re-read Strunk & White's the Elements of Style and Bram Stoker's Dracula and came away eager to practice their prose. My attempt is attached below for your perusal.
Thanks for the reminder, Bruce!
Re: footnote 1 -- those same individuals went on to become plumbers, probably. Lots of now-provocative terminology employed to name parts, leaving 20-60 year old men cackling like their sense of humor never aged past 12.
There was a day, not too long ago, when twelve-year olds searching for seemingly naughty words kept the makers of dictionaries in business.
The use of minimal verbiage with maximal impact is to most a lost art. And for all the volume of old books and old novels, the language is often clearer than the best newer books have to offer.
I recently re-read Strunk & White's the Elements of Style and Bram Stoker's Dracula and came away eager to practice their prose. My attempt is attached below for your perusal.
https://open.substack.com/pub/argomend/p/the-use-of-an-unfamiliar-register?r=28g8km&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I must disclaim that I am no formal linguist, no professional writer, simply a hobbyist giving it his best shot.