This is a very common misspelling. "Imposter" is an impostor.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Not a Typo
USA Today (a slightly different headline with the same problem is in the print edition):
This is a very common misspelling. "Imposter" is an impostor.
This is a very common misspelling. "Imposter" is an impostor.
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6 comments:
Ah, but I know where that "o" goes. It's off hanging out with the "protestors."
There's an old saying about 'he who can spot a gnat on another, but not a slug on himself' that seems to apply here. That's some lead-pipe irony. A screed about the perils of typos, which ignores its own wisdom and insight.
If it was "UK Today" the spelling would have been perfect.
Maybe it's a joke? Some of the copy editors I know would have done that intentionally. Then again, this is USA Today. I don't think they're smart enough for that sort of thing.
Hi, Bill,
"Lapsing" was mentioned on the WSJ Style & Substance quiz this month (see item 14).
They also mention "protestors" (item 8) - a coincidence?
Right on! Superlative catch on this one, fellow copy editors! However, both spellings are technically correct according to Webster's latest. Impostor is the first spelling and imposter is an alternate. So USA Today gets a B- for effort. But they should know better.
Emily B. Smith
Freelance Copy Editor
Wordsmith Text Editing Services
Madison, WI
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