Toxic chickens
There was a ‘toxic chicken’ alert on Radio 4 this morning. Bird flu? An environmental disaster?
No, it’s the striking phrase chosen by Robert Peston to describe the state of the economy; toxic chickens coming home to roost…
Archive for Language
Bureaucrazy again
Having worked as a civil servant, and served time as a councillor, I’m not routinely cynical about every public sector job. However I do wish that the powers that be would do something about those daft or pretentious job descriptions that can make useful and valuable roles sound, for want of a better word, bureaucrazy. The private sector has some pretty pompous job titles too. However for giving a gift to the cynics, this one from Manchester City Council does take some beating.
Text away
I’m worrying about predictive texting. Don’t get me wrong, I’d not be without it – imagine having to spell out every word when texting with cold fingers while also juggling a clipboard, leaflets etc
But I am a bit disturbed at the way the mind behind predictive text works. It’s obviously geared to a different kind of party animal. Rolling day, anyone? Perhaps you’d like to put up a porter, or endorse our sledges?
Maybe I should adopt the first word on offer as a kind of code. It would certainly save time. As long as Richard understands when he gets a text that says, “I’ve finished sinning and am now on the cup.”
Bureaucrazy
One of my contacts sent me an email today containing the wonderful phrase ‘Our bureaucrazy over here needs a name to go with the … paperwork’. As his first language is Danish, it may be a mistake. I hope not! I love the concept of ‘bureaucrazy’ and can already think of 101 situations where it is definitely the mot juste.
