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It's wrong, but it is quite a good mistake I thought!

(33 Posts)
Indinana Fri 08-Apr-16 12:11:18

I've just been reading a blog about how to handle compliments. The blogger said she usually says something 'self-depreciating' smile. Yes, the error jumped out at me, but then I thought, actually, I can see why she would think that's correct, because she is 'not appreciating' what she has achieved.
I'm sure there must be other examples of misunderstood/misspelled words that result in a perfectly reasonable incorrect word. It's all part of the evolution of language. Have you come across any?

Anya Fri 08-Apr-16 12:48:40

No, I'm useless at spotting things like that grin

Charleygirl Fri 08-Apr-16 12:51:04

That jumped out at me but I cannot think of any more I have noticed recently.

mollie Fri 08-Apr-16 13:01:34

The howlers that make me groan most (and I'm ready to duck now) are those in the thread headers here on GN. How hard is it to check before you carry on writing and hit the post message button? They distract me from the original message and I always want to post some glib comment but I've resisted so far...I can think of several recent ones but won't list them, that'll be a bit unkind. But I expect others will remember some too...

Charleygirl Fri 08-Apr-16 13:24:22

I agree, mollie whip and wipe spring to mind.

Jalima Fri 08-Apr-16 14:21:05

Oh dear, I mentioned that one on another thread blush

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 08-Apr-16 14:28:41

It's because we are, most of us, on portable devices that have minds of their own. The whip/wipe was most certainly down to that.

ninathenana Fri 08-Apr-16 14:30:09

A good friend always types throught instead of thought. On fb yesterday I read we're when the person meant where, as for those who can't use the correct their they're or there angry

mollie Fri 08-Apr-16 14:49:57

Dessimation instead of decimation was another, and Rddie for Eddie...apologies for being so picky. The whip for wipe was a shocker - I wasn't sure what to expect: kinkiness or issues? I know why these mistakes happen but they irritate the heck out of me...

MiniMouse Fri 08-Apr-16 15:02:37

Can't remember where I first came across this one, but I've seen it a few times lately - defiantly instead of definitely. It can prove to be quite amusing!

NannaBanana Fri 08-Apr-16 15:51:11

I have a few:
Expression instead of espresso;
Escape goat, instead of a scapegoat;
Mute point;
damp squid;
Baited breath;
And here in Scotland, 'he jamp off', instead of jumped.

NannaBanana Fri 08-Apr-16 15:51:49

expresso

phoenix Fri 08-Apr-16 17:37:20

Of when it should be have. Grrrr!

Ana Fri 08-Apr-16 17:41:46

It's when it should be its and vice versa...

rubylady Fri 08-Apr-16 17:47:36

My DS makes his own words up all the time, or think he's got it right when he really hasn't and he just makes me laugh. grin

grannylyn65 Fri 08-Apr-16 17:57:47

Nana, thought it was 'jampit!

Alea Fri 08-Apr-16 18:19:58

I was amused when somebody recently announced that her furry had been aroused but was much too tactful to point this out. Similarly referring to what I assume was meant to be a trug as a trough, but maybe again, the couple in question might have been very very strong and able to carry a trough around with them.
Charitably, one should blame iPad/iPhone predictive spelling.
I heard today of a friend of a friend who emailed an art dealer recently to get an estimate for 2 canal paintings she wished to sell. She got a very polite reply suggesting she might like to start the word in question with the "missing C" the next time she wrote. blush

Ana Fri 08-Apr-16 18:25:00

confused

MamaCaz Fri 08-Apr-16 18:25:27

If I had read (as opposed to heard) "self-depreciating" in the context given in the OP, I would have simply assumed that it was a typo. I don't know about anyone else, but my fingers often add superfluous letters when I'm typing, and such errors are very easy to overlook when doing a quick spell-check.

Ana Fri 08-Apr-16 18:26:37

Why did I just know I'd get it as soon as I clicked on 'post message'?...blush grin

PRINTMISS Fri 08-Apr-16 18:28:05

My friend who was very good at book-keeping and accounts, always refereed to the Customs and Exercise, instead of Custom and Exise

Ana Fri 08-Apr-16 18:29:29

Ooh...!!!

Ana Fri 08-Apr-16 18:31:29

It's no good - I'm sure you meant to type Customs and Excise, PRINTMISS wink

MamaCaz Fri 08-Apr-16 18:46:47

Anna: you beat me to it grin

ninathenana Fri 08-Apr-16 22:30:49

Or even referred and not refereed grin