mattbutt

This has probably been said before, but i have noticed recently that Americans like to make words up. Not in the sense of making a up a new word but by using a word in a different way. example.

I was working on a presentation and the women I was working with suggested that I 'bulletize' those points.

I have just noticed today that the company website has the word 'technologies' now im sure that isnt a real word. It says that we have good technologies, couldnt it just read we have good technology?

Another one is values, which seems to be used out of context all the time, as in a shop has 'great values'? doesnt that suggest that the shop has good morals?

Now im not a master of the english language but making words up just seems strange and a little lazy.

anotherlimey

I saw 'Mens Furnishings' in Nordstrums yesterday. I've never heard that term before I came to the US.

-tom

dbj1000

"Bulletize" has been in use for years in the UK too. You can blame Microsoft PowerPoint for that one, I think (so yes, that particular bastardisation come from the US originally).

Technologies is potentially a better use of the word than your singular usage. People refer to "technology" to encompass a multitude of technologies, when in fact each is a discrete item. My company has Technologies in the name because we make a number of products, some of which use one technology, others which use another, totally distinct technology, but all of which serve the same general purpose.

Yes, they love to mangle the English language over here and if they're too ill-educated to know the right word to use, they make one up from simpler words. I agree completely. I just don't agree with your examples

"Weaponize" - to make something into a weapon. Dreadful, stupid word.

Others too many to mention... and I can't think of a single one right now

ScousePete

I hate "gotten" It just doesn't sound right. I was so sure that it wasn't a word that I reached for the dictionary - only to be proved wrong

Becs

Irrelevant, but how's it hanging in NJ ? I used to live in Old Tappan, Bergen County.

-Becs

Lion in Winter

Worse than that, I think it's an old English usage that is no longer used in the UK, but prospers in the US.

Sophia_S

'Thunk'!!!!arrrrrgh!,I've even heard a newscaster use it while reading the news!!!!!

NC Penguin

What kind of things are to be found in "Men's Furnishings"? I understand Home Furnishings but I've not run across "Men's Furnishings". Maybe it's a seasonal thing.




NC Penguin

anotherlimey

It's just the mens section in a department store.

-tom

joto

Then there is "Burglarised" instead of "Burgled", and the expression "visiting with" someone instead of visiting.

NC Penguin

Men's clothes? What other items would be sold to and targeted directly to men other than clothes?

If it's clothes, then it would be much clearer to just name the department "Men's Clothing".




NC Penguin

BritGuyTN

i've heard the word 'stripety' te mean stripey

also, supposebly makes an appearance now and then

mattbutt

Im pretty sure Bulletize is not a word, it doesnt even come up on my spell checker.

James Box

Men's Furnishings would be a sofa, remote control, tv, and mini-fridge containing beer

dunroving

Two from the sporting world:

Winningest ("He's the winningest coach in NFL history")

Quickness ("He's got good speed and quickness" - John Madden, surely they mean the same thing?).