Linguistic Preference Quotes

Usage is the only test. I prefer a phrase that is easy and unaffected to a phrase that is grammatical.

I call myself a harp because I like the sound of the word - it is short, sharp, and abusive.

For some reason cowboy sounds better than cowman.

I don't want to use the term 'plus-size,' because, to me, what the hell is that? It just doesn't have a positive connotation to it. I tend to not use it.

The Word 'Repulse': I hate this word. I believe 'repel' is a perfectly good word, and 'repulsion' is the noun, as well as the title of an excellent Dinosaur Jr. song. A compulsion compels you; an impulse impels you. Nobody ever says 'compulse' or 'impulse' as a verb. So why would you ever say 'repulse'? This word haunts me in my sleep, like a silver dagger dancing before my eyes. Renee looked it up and I was wrong. But I still kind of think I'm right.

I love the word 'dearth,' by the way. It's one of my favorite words.

One must regard the hyphen as a blemish to be avoided wherever possible.

When it comes to girls (and in Colin's case, it so often did), everyone has a type. Colin Singleton's type was not physical but linguistic: he liked Katherines. And not Katies or Kats or Kitties or Cathys or Rynns or Trinas or Kays or Kates or, god forbid, Catherines. K-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E. He had dated 19 girls. All of them had been named Katherine. And all of them- every single solitary one- had dumped him.

I hate the neologism "owned" for "scored a victory over". I have no intention of owning anyone, and nobody will ever own me.

Girlfriend is such a stupid word. I couldn't stand calling her that. So, we had to get married, so I could call her 'wife.

It's Fifty, not Fiddy.

I'd sooner wear white shoes in February, drink unsweetened tea, and eat Miracle Whip instead of Duke's than utter the words 'you guys'.

I never dream in French, but certain French words seem better or more fun than English words - like 'pois chiches' for chick peas!

With all that we hear of American hustle and hurry, it is rather strange that Americans seem to like to linger on longer words.

I always choose to use the word often instead of (unintelligible). Just changing it up, changing it up.