Archive: Arts & Entertainment

SMART TALK SMART TALK

By Dr. Verbos Metikulos

ENORMITY: Misuse of enormity is an indicator that English is not truly the speaker's/writer's first language. At the Center for English as a First Language, we automatically test patient for further evidence.  These patients may resist treatment, because they often believe they don't need it.

Enormity is not a nice word. It means outrageousness, atrociousness, or heinousness, as in the enormity of the Syrian government's actions. Yes, the dictionary gives, last in line, the hugeness definition. As folks often point out, "ain't" is in the dictionary, too, that doesn't mean it's correct. A dictionary describes our language as it's used; it neither prescribes nor proscribes. For the latter, you need to come to Underbelly, Texas, and sign up with us.

 

Enormity's first five letters naturally make one think of enormous, but don't be fooled. As with niggardly, which means miserly and stingy, initial sound and spelling can trip the unwary. Enormous means huge. Enormity means shocking awfulness.

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