[geeks] English language [was: power (was Mr. Bill)]

[John Francini]

On 18 Sep 2008, at 11:47, Dan Sikorski wrote:

> Sandwich Maker wrote:
>> sadly, if it becomes common enough, the reaction is to change not the
>> teaching but the dictionaries.
>>
>
> So, in ten years, "i can haz cheezburger" will be taught as proper
> grammar and spelling.
>
>   -Dan Sikorski
>
> I accidentally the Grammar.  THE WHOLE THING!

English has ever been thus. Unlike French, which has L'Academie
Frangais to dictate What Is Official French and What Is Not, there's
no such thing in English, and never has been.  It's a language that
has been defined exclusively by usage; dictionaries are constantly
trying to catch up to the usage.  Consequently, it is quite the
bastard child.

One wag put it: "English: The language that lures other languages into
dark alleyways, clubs them over their heads, then steals their wallets."

john