Wikipedia gives the same definition for both spellings, but troublingly (or would that be 'disturbingly') also says of 'axe' - "The phonic pronunciation of the work 'ask' in some New York dialects." Yikes!
Could have said "can" - just as hard on the workforce, but less gory. By my count, "fire" might have fit, too. Up here in Canada, we still (try to) follow Canadian Press style, and use "axe" for the cutting tool and "grey" for the colour (yes, we use the "-our" style now, too). One that really drives me crazy is the "defence/defense," etc., difference - I think we have that one the wrong way 'round.
I'll bite. Should it be workforce?
ReplyDeleteActually, yes, it should be "workforce," but my point was "ax."
ReplyDeleteMy copy of the AP stylebook (admittedly it's from 2002) says 'work force'.
ReplyDeleteBut why use the British spelling "grey"?
ReplyDeleteUmm ... class?
ReplyDeleteI always preferred grey, but I wasn't sure. Now I know - I have class! Cool.
ReplyDeleteBueller? Anyone? Help!
ReplyDeleteHe used 'grey' because, like 'axe', it isn't the preferred spelling in the US.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad one person got it.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else find this headline... gruesome?
ReplyDeleteYou're still my favourite, Bill.
ReplyDeleteWikipedia gives the same definition for both spellings, but troublingly (or would that be 'disturbingly') also says of 'axe' - "The phonic pronunciation of the work 'ask' in some New York dialects." Yikes!
ReplyDeleteWow, 'ax'. Really? I thought I'd come across most common American English/British English differences by now.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know who Kaine is, but I'm really worried for his workers. Couldn't he just sack them? There's no need to be violent.
On another note, the verification word I now have to type in to prove I am human is 'bumedi', which sounds like a French day of the week, but rude.
So, um.. what do you s'pose they're gonna axe em?
ReplyDeleteCould have said "can" - just as hard on the workforce, but less gory. By my count, "fire" might have fit, too.
ReplyDeleteUp here in Canada, we still (try to) follow Canadian Press style, and use "axe" for the cutting tool and "grey" for the colour (yes, we use the "-our" style now, too). One that really drives me crazy is the "defence/defense," etc., difference - I think we have that one the wrong way 'round.