I agree Bridget. I am very interested in the fact that some people, in many different cultures, try to alter langauge by decree whilst other accept it as a living creature. I am not comfortable about generalised insults being offered to any people(s!). My interest is probably sharpened in that, like some others on this board I live in a bilingual, indeed bicultural, corner of the globe.

Participating in this forum has underlined for me that what we share is infinitely more important that what divides us; but that divisions can highlight fascinating differences of formative experience and just plain differences of taste.

Let's try and avoid generalised insults.