Funny thing this English language

Less · 30-09-2006, 15:11

In a recent post it was implied that I am a

Quote:

semi illiterate fool

Now I can't decide on the fool part of it that is up to others, but, I wonder and therefore pose this question:

Which is correct, semi literate or semi illiterate?

I personally think they are both wrong, after all a woman can't be semi pregnant, she either is pregnant or she isn't pregnant.

So surely the same applies here, either I'm a literate fool or I'm a Illiterate fool, I can't be half way between the two can I?

SPUGGIE J · 30-09-2006, 15:36

You can if you want.

This language of ours is still evolving so much so the OED is finding it hard to keep up.

Less · 30-09-2006, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

You can if you want.

I don't think I can because they are two absolutes, I have to be one or the other, it is black or white there cannot be a grey area in between.

SPUGGIE J · 30-09-2006, 16:53

Ok then semi literate it sounds more "fixable" than semi illiterate.

SPUGGIE J · 30-09-2006, 16:58

To help

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...s_name=&no_ads=

and from Wiki to confuse

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Autom...ens_and_dashes

West Ender · 30-09-2006, 17:16

You'd have to be semi-literate if you were half way to being literate. As no one progresses towards being illiterate you couldn't be half way there, so semi-literate it is.

Less · 30-09-2006, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

To help

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...s_name=&no_ads=

and from Wiki to confuse

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Autom...ens_and_dashes

Thanks for trying but no it doesn't.

WillowTheWhisp · 30-09-2006, 17:53

Well that was an extremely interesting article on typesetting.

Gayle · 01-10-2006, 08:24

I don't think it matters as long as we've established that you're a fool.

Less · 01-10-2006, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

I don't think it matters as long as we've established that you're a fool.

Oh, Gayle how could you? I am cut to the quick, my quick is so cut it is now in ruins.

Are you becoming my second stalker? Chasing round the site and deriding all my posts? Perhaps I'd better dash over to rindys mastermind thread and put an apology on before you get really nasty!

(Only Joking), glad you and yours are o.k. after your unfortunate journey.

If there is anyone out there with a spare quick please let me know as I think mine has been damaged beyond repair!

Gayle · 01-10-2006, 09:32

Please, please, please, don't compare me to your other stalker! For a start, I make sense at least 50% of the time!

WillowTheWhisp · 01-10-2006, 09:43

I haven't got a quick Less but I've got a couple of slows if they are any use to you.

Less · 01-10-2006, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

Please, please, please, don't compare me to your other stalker! For a start, I make sense at least 50% of the time!

No comparison at all Gayle your insults are in a far better class, I do notice your tendancy to exaggerate is creeping back 50% of the time? That statement is taking you to the realms of fantasy!