Accent Expert Breaks Down Language Pet Peeves | WIRED

Summary

This video explores the fascinating evolution of language, examining common language myths and pet peeves, like eggcorns, vocal fry, and uptalk. Through engaging examples, the host debunks misconceptions about language, showing how misheard phrases often become accepted expressions. The video also addresses prescriptive grammar rules, revealing their historical origins and the inherent flexibility of English. With a lighthearted yet informative tone, it highlights how language is constantly changing, reflecting the creativity and diversity of its speakers, and emphasizes the importance of embracing these changes rather than resisting them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eggcorns are creative mishearings of common phrases that often make sense but are technically incorrect (e.g., 'for all intensive purposes' instead of 'for all intents and purposes').
• 😀 Language is constantly evolving, and today’s common mishearings (like eggcorns) may become tomorrow’s accepted expressions.
• 😀 Vocal fry, often associated with certain celebrities, is a legitimate vocal technique, not damaging, and is used in various languages for specific linguistic functions.
• 😀 Uptalk (or upspeak) involves raising pitch at the end of a sentence and is often criticized, especially when used by women, but it’s a natural speech pattern.
• 😀 Complaints about vocal fry and uptalk often focus on women’s voices, but these speech patterns are also used by men and have no inherent negative effects.
• 😀 Grammar rules we often follow today, like avoiding prepositions at the end of sentences or splitting infinitives, were made up in the 17th and 18th centuries and are not inherent to English grammar.
• 😀 The rule against ending sentences with prepositions was first proposed in 1672, but English speakers regularly use prepositions at the end of sentences in informal speech.
• 😀 The distinction between 'less' and 'fewer' is based on a prescriptive preference, and most speakers don’t adhere strictly to it in everyday conversation.
• 😀 Words like 'literally' and 'ironic' acquire new meanings over time as language evolves, often expanding beyond their original definitions.
• 😀 The flexibility of English allows for multiple meanings for a single word, and this fluidity is one of the strengths of the language.
• 😀 English is a highly adaptable language, and its richness comes from the diverse ways speakers use and transform words and expressions over time.

Q & A

What are eggcorns, and how do they relate to language change?

Eggcorns are creative mishearings of common phrases, such as 'for all intensive purposes' instead of 'for all intents and purposes.' These misheard expressions often make sense in context and can eventually evolve into commonly accepted forms, illustrating how language changes over time.

How do folk etymologies differ from eggcorns?

Folk etymologies are eggcorns that have transitioned from being incorrect or misheard to being widely accepted as the correct usage. They typically result from reanalyzing words and phrases, such as 'cockroach' which comes from the Spanish 'cucaracha,' not from 'cock' or 'roach.'

What is the linguistic function of vocal fry, and why is it criticized?

Vocal fry is a speaking pattern where the voice creaks due to low pitch and tension in the vocal cords. It is often criticized for making speakers sound less intelligent or competent, although it is a natural feature in some languages and does not necessarily harm the voice.

What is uptalk, and how does it relate to perceptions of speech?

Uptalk, or upspeak, is when a speaker raises their pitch at the end of a sentence, making it sound like a question. It is often criticized, especially when used by women, as it is perceived to make speakers sound unsure or less authoritative, despite its widespread use.

Why are grammar rules like 'don't end sentences with prepositions' criticized?

These rules were based on Latin grammar, which differs significantly from English. For example, ending a sentence with a preposition is perfectly acceptable in English, but was criticized in the 17th century as a sign of poor grammar, even though it's a common practice in natural speech.

What is the historical origin of the 'less vs. fewer' rule?

The 'less vs. fewer' rule was popularized in 1770 by Robert Baker, who expressed a preference for 'fewer' when referring to countable items and 'less' for uncountable ones. Despite being a subjective preference, it became a hard rule that was taught in schools.

What does the word 'literally' mean, and why is its use often controversial?

'Literally' originally meant 'in a literal manner,' but it is now frequently used as an intensifier, meaning 'figuratively' or 'almost.' This shift in meaning causes confusion and frustration for those who adhere strictly to the original definition.

How do words like 'divorce' and 'model' demonstrate the verbing of nouns?

Words like 'divorce' and 'model' originally began as nouns, but over time they have been used as verbs. The phenomenon of turning nouns into verbs has been happening for centuries and is a natural part of language evolution.

What role does context play in the evolving meanings of words?

Context plays a critical role in how words evolve. Words like 'disinterested' and 'ironic' have acquired new meanings over time, reflecting how speakers use language creatively and adaptively to suit changing social or situational contexts.

How does the flexibility of English contribute to its richness?

English is highly flexible, allowing words to take on multiple meanings depending on context. Words can even have opposite meanings, such as 'sanction' meaning both to approve and to forbid. This flexibility fosters richness in expression and communication.