Just wondering

I'm told by both my DS that 'Rosie and I' (eg went to the Zoo) is now quite old-fashioned and 'everybody' says 'Rosie and me'. Language is important to them and they often have to be precise in their jobs so I accept their ruling. Anyone out there have any ideas on how you address an informal envelope, supposing you still use them? I got one the other day addressed to me & DH just by our given names.

If it's informal I put Joe and Jane bloggs

Formally Mr and Mrs joe bloggs.

I do prefer to be addressed as Mrs Jane bloggs rather than Mrs joe bloggs.

Rosie and me went to the zoo is wrong. By that token then they should say me went to the zoo.

I would usually say Fred and me etc unless it was a more formal time eg a committee meeting.
I would write Fred and I.

I could never say 'Rosie and me went to the zoo', it sounds wrong and it isn't correct.

I'm sure I make other grammatical mistakes, but that isn't one of them. As Bellanonna says, it would be like saying 'Rosie went to the zoo and me went to the zoo...'

(Fred and) Me went to the ... Me went? Duh...! Me disgusted!

I know Fred and me is wrong but it usually seems more acceptable to say that in casual talk with the riffraff people I know.

It's a question of usage, the correct form isn't in doubt!

Well, this is Pedants' Corner!

This discussion cropped up some time ago and I too said that I never use 'Rosie and me went....'
I was roundly criticised, told I couldn't be telling the truth, accused of snobbery!
All this from one poster while many others agreed with me.
I reiterate I never use that expression whether in formal or informal speech, in writing, phone conversations or texts.
It's not only because of my leanings to pedantry but also because of the way I was brought up.
I also correct DGCs if they commit this offence !!

Exactly, mcem!

I totally agree with you mcem. I never resort to incorrect forms just because they are in common usage. I am quite happy to accept that language evolves, that the meaning of words can change, sometimes dramatically, but I refuse to be party to something that is incorrect at the moment.

If the evolution of our language results, at some future time, in "Me am going to the zoo" (or "Me is going to the zoo") being the correct form then I'll happily go along with it (though I doubt I'll still be around ). In the meantime it is "I am going to the zoo" and, therefore, "Rosie and I are going to the zoo". Nothing will budge me from this.

English grammar was taught properly when I was at school and these rules were drummed into me, both at school and at home.

Me go zoo! me go tell tribe!

There is Caribbean English where "me am" is the popular form. If it makes sense to other people then surely that is fine. I live in a country where the popular form is "I am". That makes sense to people and that is fine.

What is far more of a problem is when language id distorted so that people don't understand why is meant and cannot, therefore, communicate properly. There are many avriantions of English from Canad and US to Australia and New zealand.

Sod it! I posted before I had read through what I had posted. … language is distorted*, don't understand what is meant. Many variations from and, for goodness sake. Perhaps I should cut my nails (or go to bed)!

I'm not sure there is a 'correct' informal way to address envelopes. I've been just writing people's names (first and last) on informal post communications all my life. Even to my mother. She has never complained and she would have done if she had minded.

And one the backs of envelopes I put the sender's address as First Name, House number/name, Postcode.

'Spect she was just glad to get the letters.

absent Quite funny in the circumstances !

I write in our local newspaper from time to time and this appeared a couple of months ago, which might - hopefully - amuse as it seems to fit in with the topic somewhat.

With gritted teeth and raised BP I’ve learned to compromise
When hearing words like DIGIVERSE, CHILLAX and DIARISE,
And not directly have a fit when listening to the news
For language changes all the time, though it may not me amuse!

My moisturiser’s not just smooth, it soothes and MATTIFIES
For it’s a COSMACEUTICAL, the label states - whatever that implies.
Men aren’t just mates, or drinking pals, but now they may be labelled
As having a BROMANCE, by trendy types, like an imaginary fable!
But worse maybe is a FRENEMY with which they could contend
For that’s a secret rival, who is pretending to be a friend.

And as though we need more labels there’s the DEMITARIAN
Who eats a little bit of meat but is mainly vegetarian!
I’ve also learned of a new disease – AFFLUENZA it is named,
Caught by bankers and their like, who claim they can’t be blamed
For earning obscene money and spending like a drain
Which causes them anxiety and intensely nervous strain.
It would make it even worse if chased by VIDEORAZZI
Who are video operating types of the old fashioned paparazzi!
And they all feed the appetites of star crazed groups of FANDOMS
Who stalk their admired target literally in tandem.

I can’t leave out the lazy words, coined by the younger speaker-
Who put two words together to make them short and sleeker.
LATERS and AMAZEBALLS are self explanatory
But MAGHAG may be less so, and also defamatory,
For it refers to a female editor of American magazines
(She probably encourages FANDOMS and publishes FANZINES!)
Worst of all, and finally, there are words akin to slush
If I actually had to say one I would unquestionably blush,
ADORBS, UNFRIEND, EMOJI are words I just can’t stick
In fact I’d not just blush, I’d physically be sick!

Brilliant helmacd

I remember a Billy Connolly piece on "Wee Sweary Words". He made up 2 wonderful words, Getifer and Basa, especially when used together as in "Aye getifer ya bass".

'Rosie and me' sounds like something I expect to hear from a four year old.

Words are my passion too. Thanks for such a fascinating thread.

'He gave the chocolates to Rosie and me.'

Great post, helmacd.

If you can substitute us it is Rosie and me
If you can substitute we it is Rosie and I

So-
He gave chocolates to Rosie
He gave chocolates to me
He gave chocolates to us
He gave chocolates to Rosie and me

Rosie thanked him
I thanked him
We thanked him
Rosie and I thanked him

Rosie is fatter than him
I am fatter than him
We are fatter than him
Rosie and I are fatter than him

He is thinner than Rosie
He is thinner than me
He is thinner than Rosie and me
He is thinner than us