Word or not a word?

Actually, this time a phrase:

"As per usual."

I guess the better question is, can I say this? Used in a sentence: "Jon did something awesome, as per usual." (We're not commenting on the truthfulness of the sentence example. It's true.)

Official final ruling on "agreeance..." [see the comments].

Comments

Evie Hemphill said…
NO. Not a word (or phrase). Or if it is, it shouldn't be.
April 19, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Chris said…
Wait. I would like to contest the ruling on agreeance...

While the "word" may not be in any dictionary (firefox is telling me right now that I misspelled a word), it is commonly understood. I'm not surprised that the elitists think it isn't a "word," but I'm willing to bet more people both use and understand that "word" than many other "words" that are considered "words."

It is a "word" and even those who don't think it's a "word" could use it in a sentence. It's commonly understood and easily definable. However, I wouldn't use it.
April 26, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Jonathan Dodd said…
Well, Chris, despite taking offense at being called an elitist (which, to be honest, is the reason I started this WONAW thing at all: to combat word elitists) I realize now that I ruled in haste on "Agreeance." My original goal with this whole thing was that enough people would chime in that we could come to some sort of conclusion. However, when we have one vote no, one abstainer plus a snarky comment, that's inconclusive to say the least. My respect for the fluidity of the English language is such that all "words" will be considered words unless we all decide it's not a word, if that makes sense. I like language a lot and calling me an elitist is enough to make me change my mind (I'm a softy, really). So Chris, you win. Though I also don't like agreeance, it'll count. Now, panel of experts, what word would you like to kick out? Because I say we should have to.
April 26, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Jonathan Dodd said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
April 26, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Jason said…
You can say "as per usual" as much as you want, but the more you use it the less I'll want to talk to you. Ever.

(Possibly kidding.)

There are easier, more fluid ways to say the same thing. Try "as always."
April 26, 2007 at 9:51 PM
Evie Hemphill said…
Well! I don't check your blog for a week and suddenly you've reversed your ruling on "agreeance." Fine, guys. Let's go ahead and just usher in the ever-sharper decline of the English language. In fact, teachers shouldn't even give spelling tests anymore. Raelly, eevry one can tatolly udnretsnad tihngs spleled worng aynawy, cerroct? Bad spellers of the world, untie!

(Sigh.)I recently read Lynn Truss' Eats, Shoots & Leaves at Jason's suggestion. I would highly recommend it except that I definitely came away as even more of an anal stickler on these issues if you haven't noticed. Seriously, it's a good read.
April 27, 2007 at 3:13 PM
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