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J R-M - pernickity pedant?

(163 Posts)
GabriellaG54 Fri 26-Jul-19 21:35:26

I read that JRM has issued a list of rules for his staff to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.
It's typical but pretty unbelievable that he's gone to such petty lengths as banning the word 'got', among a jumble of others. Men to be addressed as Esq. in memorandum and other such nonsense.
I wonder if there will be a fine for any staffer caught breaking the rules.
Your thoughts...
I think he's hoping to elevate the atmosphere to that of a gentleman's club such as Whites, Brooke's or Boodle's circa 17th and 18th century.

MawBroonsback Sat 27-Jul-19 06:50:52

But so ironic that it is you GabbyG who takes such exception . Does Rees-Mogg also insist on correct spelling? grin
Shouldn’t it be in Pedants’ Corner anyway?

MawBroonsback Sat 27-Jul-19 06:42:45

But always look on the bright side, I (perhaps others too) have learned a new word. Might come on useful in Scrabble ?

Banausic | Definition of Banausic at Dictionary.com
serving utilitarian purposes only; mechanical; practical : architecture that was more banausic than inspire

LAL (live and learn)

Whitewavemark2 Sat 27-Jul-19 06:17:26

This

Otto English
@Otto_English

There's no rule in English grammar that says you can't put a comma after a conjuction. This conceited bollocks is mere pretention. Mogg's banausic preoccupation with fake grammar is proof of his faux intellect and shallow mind.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 27-Jul-19 05:52:06

He has always struck me as precisely the sort of person who who behave like this. Control freak. The civil servants were there long before him and will be there long after. What ever makes him think that he knows better? I pity the long suffering civil servants, what a load of incompetent ninnies they’ve had to suffer recently.

We assume the country will survive such pettifogging jobs worth stupidity.

Labaik Sat 27-Jul-19 00:19:20

I've now reached the stage where I read something about this government and assume it must be a spoof only to realise it is actually happening.

growstuff Sat 27-Jul-19 00:05:09

I agree with you. It's petty. The man is an anachronism. If it weren't for the ridiculous leader of his party, he'd still be chuntering away on the back benches (and making millions on screwing the plebs). JRM has no political talent - the only way he can attract attention is by being a nineteenth century wannabe. More fool the people who fall for it.

Anniebach Fri 26-Jul-19 22:52:35

Glad you agree jura , a thread on this is so petty .

jura2 Fri 26-Jul-19 22:43:47

yes, it is ...

Anniebach Fri 26-Jul-19 22:36:54

How petty

jura2 Fri 26-Jul-19 22:33:53

the commas even ...

jura2 Fri 26-Jul-19 22:32:44

but I can bet you he is going to be plotting with Boris and co all Summer long- and if it is closed, there was no point in making the point, or the comas, was there?

Anniebach Fri 26-Jul-19 22:19:52

jura. He is Leader of The House. It’s closed.

Nandalot Fri 26-Jul-19 22:18:58

And some of the other perfectly ‘acceptable’ words on the list.

Nandalot Fri 26-Jul-19 22:18:13

Although I can see the logic in banning the use of a word like ‘got’, can anyone explain why ‘unacceptable’, ‘ascertain’, ‘equal’ etc. have a blanket ban?

Urmstongran Fri 26-Jul-19 22:14:30

Well probably why not prioritise it? Until the real action starts in September and October, everyone else is off to the beach.
?

petra Fri 26-Jul-19 22:14:25

If you read the article he said this is for his letters only

Anniebach Fri 26-Jul-19 22:13:35

Where can we read this ?

jura2 Fri 26-Jul-19 22:10:59

growstuff- you are jesting, aren't you???

If it is the first thing he put time and effort in, he is prioritising it.

Gonegirl Fri 26-Jul-19 22:08:17

I don't think he is actually prioritising it. Just laying down a few ground rules at the start of the job. No harm in it.

growstuff Fri 26-Jul-19 22:04:33

It's a way for J R-M to impose his alleged superiority over the plebs who can't speak proper. Have you reached the paragraph about his staff bowing/curtseying and tugging on their forelock when they enter a room?

mcem Fri 26-Jul-19 22:03:50

And why would anyone prioritise pedantry with all the real problems we have.

jura2 Fri 26-Jul-19 22:00:23

The title is not about whether you 'like' him or not- or about 'change'. Make up your mind- it seems many of you want to go back to his 19C, or at least pre EU- and Imperial measures - who is afraid of change.

Change can be for the better, or very much for the worse. In the eyes of the beholder.

Doodle Fri 26-Jul-19 21:57:19

There are many pedants on GN gabriella . Do you class them as petty too? #innocentface ?

Gonegirl Fri 26-Jul-19 21:56:21

I can remember my headmistress at school years ago telling us we must never use 'got'.

I quite like the old standards. Love the use of "Esq".

Minniemoo Fri 26-Jul-19 21:55:32

Calm yourself jura. Have a drink maybe, or some hot chocolate. Change is good. I know it scares some people but believe me, we will survive!