Slow news day? Let’s let aside the whole “Web 3.0” vs. “2010 Web” Debate. They’re all just terms after all, right? Let’s focus on something a little more important, like the fact that an established journalist like Kara Swisher can’t use correct grammar in her titles. Let’s look at the definition of “Wronger”:
“One who wrongs someone; One who commits a wrong; Comparative form of wrong: more wrong”
Keep in mind that the only definition of “wronger” provided by Google was that one, by Wiktionary.com, something many would hardly consider a credible dictionary. However in this case, even their definition states Kara is completely wrong on this matter.
What’s the deal with bloggers, journalists, and marketers feeling it’s okay all-of-the-sudden to relax their use of grammar? These guys all have editors that check their work, and I wouldn’t hesitate to think they have all had much more English training than I have. I mean, even Apple’s doing it – what’s with the whole “Funner” theme? Does that terminology make it sound “more fun”? To me, it just makes them look stupid.
I hope Kara’s use was just tongue-in-cheek, but let’s stop this practice. It’s simply wrong.
when wrong is right, journos unite!
As a proud member of the Grammar Police and ardent lover of all things punctuation and spelling (Lynne Truss is my hero), I'm the first to hop on the bandwagon and berate those who sully language … but I have to say with regards to the post you're discussing here, I didn't give it a second thought. To me the tone was *clearly* tongue-welded-firmly-in-cheek – especially since we're talking about a great writer whose body of work shows a graceful grasp of language.
FWIW
I don't get it, Jesse – isn't Kara using it in the sense of “Comparative form of wrong: more wrong” which is included in the definition you cite? I'm all for calling people on bad grammar, but it's not clear she's actually guilty of that infraction here…
Jan, that wasn't the definition – it was saying that the comparative form of
wrong *is* “more wrong”. Not “wronger”. “Wronger” is incorrect grammar.
That wasn't the way I read it – I read it as “comparative form of wrong, as in: more wrong”.
See also http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wronger (a slightly more reputable source, perhaps). Also a variety of other sources online suggesting it's fine (along with its opposite – righter – and the logical conclusion, wrongest, which is also endorsed by Merriam Webster).
Happy to agree to differ about this, Jesse. I appreciate the sentiment, regardless. We could all do better with our online grammar.
To be fair to Kara, the Wronger is in italics, and is purposely used that way.
Duncan, pretty silly to argue semantics, isn't it? 😉
Um, tongue was firmly planted in cheek. Mrs. Snook, my second-grade teacher, taught me better than “wronger.”
I don't get it, Jesse – isn't Kara using it in the sense of “Comparative form of wrong: more wrong” which is included in the definition you cite? I'm all for calling people on bad grammar, but it's not clear she's actually guilty of that infraction here…
Thanks Kara – as was mine with this article. As I said on FriendFeed, the
whole semantics discussion I think is funny. Of course, it could be “more
funny” if Robert responds. 🙂
Jan, that wasn't the definition – it was saying that the comparative form of
wrong *is* “more wrong”. Not “wronger”. “Wronger” is incorrect grammar.
That wasn't the way I read it – I read it as “comparative form of wrong, as in: more wrong”.
See also http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wronger (a slightly more reputable source, perhaps). Also a variety of other sources online suggesting it's fine (along with its opposite – righter – and the logical conclusion, wrongest, which is also endorsed by Merriam Webster).
Happy to agree to differ about this, Jesse. I appreciate the sentiment, regardless. We could all do better with our online grammar.
PS you're already on the fourth page of results for “wronger definition” on Google… 😉
To be fair to Kara, the Wronger is in italics, and is purposely used that way.
Duncan, pretty silly to argue semantics, isn't it? 😉
Um, tongue was firmly planted in cheek. Mrs. Snook, my second-grade teacher, taught me better than “wronger.”
Thanks Kara – as was mine with this article. As I said on FriendFeed, the
whole semantics discussion I think is funny. Of course, it could be “more
funny” if Robert responds. 🙂
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