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Unfortunately, given the state of Jakarta's pavements, keeping my chin up could lead to disaster so I'll carry on keeping my pecker up, thank you.

I have never been to NY, so it wasn't me mooning at helen.
but thanks for the thought, my dear. It's a great comfort to know people are taking such a warm interest in my well-being

Bingley


Bingley
#43436 10/06/01 02:02 PM
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Tame...?... say it ain't so!
Pruient...? now you've hurt me feelings (wahhhh)

"...without needing the (ahem) direct anglo-saxonism." - Needs schmeeds. Saxon schmaxon...... make up my mind, will ya?

"What I really need is less people telling me what I need" - Bill Cosby


#43437 10/06/01 03:38 PM
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"What I really need is less people telling me what I need"
or even fewer.


#43438 10/06/01 04:40 PM
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http://wordsmith.org/board/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=words&Number=30679&page=5&view=collapsed&sb=5&vc=1#Post30679

You'll have to cut and paste this one, Keiva, as making it a "hotlink" would drive us beyond the limits of certain *resolutions.......and I'm vehemently opposed to "self-yarting"

I "have to say" that, in this case of the usage of "less", the function is clearly quantity and not quality, and that its wide spread use and understanding superceeds it's *correctness.

ps. - I know you won't take that as a personal attack, but I'm sure someone else will...


#43439 10/06/01 07:30 PM
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In this case of the usage of "less", the function is clearly quantity and not quality, and that its wide spread use and understanding superceeds it's *correctness.
"superceeds"?

As I understand it, less may properly be used as a synonym for fewer, despite the slight distinction. The distinction does not pertain to quantity-vs-quality: each word pertains to quantity, depending on whether the quantity is measured as discrete countable units (digitally; fewer) or is viewed as a single mass (analog; less). (E.g, fewer pounds mean less weight; "less sand" but "fewer grains of sand".) However, since less can also refer to quality, it can sometimes create a slight ambiguity.

but speaking of woodpeckers: Kev, how about joining me at the John Barleycorn Pub on Lincoln Ave, where the menu offers a drink that's a mix of Moosehead Ale and Woodpecker Cider? I'll buy the first round of what they call the Moosepecker.

#43440 10/06/01 07:39 PM
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#43441 10/06/01 09:56 PM
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Darn-it! That's what I get for the "hit-and run" approach to posting... and I truly wanted to make it "superseed" (keeping somehow "in line" with *pecker).

[self-yart-alert]...its wide spread use and understanding superceeds it's *correctness. Oh yes, and that goes for spelling, as well.

There is widespread use of the word "peckerhead" in the midwest US that is not at all associated with "that other context". Generally degrading in nature (ie. dumb-dumb or dufus(sp?) however, usually used in a playful ribbing manner and not at all *vulgar...

... sorry dude, I'll take a rain check, I got a gig tonight...


#43442 10/07/01 02:45 AM
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The notion that there was anything remotely risible about the phrase
It's not risible, it's embarrassing! There is not a single person on the face of this earth that I could POSSIBLY say that to.
CK, I am VERY glad you said it was your nose you had in the air!

Jo, this is all your fault!


#43443 10/07/01 03:43 AM
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Less - indefinable (bulk) amount
Fewer - amount associated with plural nouns

e.g.

I have less hair than I had yesterday because I'm going bald.

I have fewer hairs than I had yesterday because I'm going bald.

Hmmm?

Jackie, you have something that will fix baldness?



The idiot also known as Capfka ...
#43444 10/07/01 03:51 AM
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Have you not heard of Rogaine? Made by Pharma(cia-Up)John?


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