Aussie Language
The Oxford English Dictionary is currently asking ‘how and why sexist terms are recorded in the dictionary and what this…
Aussie Language
The word ‘independent’ has been part of the English language since 1612. So how can anyone be confused about its…
Aussie Language
Is there a linguistic solution to the misuse of the word ‘racism’? Under so-called Critical Race Theory almost everything is…
Language
Is it just me, or have others noticed that heterosexual couples have lost access to the words ‘husband’ and ‘wife’?…
Aussie Language
The expression ‘unconscious bias’ is back in the headlines. First came the good news that Oxford’s Somerville college had rescinded…
Kiwi Language
Nancy Pelosi succeeded in banning ‘mother’ from appearing in the paperwork of Congress. Now the ANU’s Gender Institute Handbook wants…
Aussie Language
A Speccie reader has asked if it is linguistically permissible to label the tactics of climate catastrophists as ‘brainwashing.’ The…
Aussie Language
The word of the past decade (2011-2020) is ‘fake news.’ That, at least, is the opinion of the fine folk…
Aussie Language
The North American Scrabble Players Association, has issued a list of 236 banned words – all deemed to be ‘offensive…
Aussie Lingo
Every other day some minor celebrity complains of being ‘trolled’ on social media. The answer is to get off social…
Aussie Lingo
Have we flogged the word ‘spirit’ to death? Or, rather have politicians, emptied it of all meaning and turned it…
Speaking Our Language
The Australian language is one of the few bonds that still binds together the Australian nation. And, heaven knows, we…
Language notes
Word-of-the-year of the Year It’s that time of year once again – the season when dictionaries announce their choice for…
Different words
If you’d been in our house during the Coon cheese debacle you would have heard me shouting at the TV:…
Language notes
One of the most intriguing expressions to come out of the pandemic so far is ‘deep cleaning’. We read that…
John Lennon’s friend imagines
For several years in the 1950s Peter Jones shared a desk with John Lennon at Quarry Bank High School for…
Conservative notes
James Allan and Chris Kenny are wrong Conservatives have long, and rightly, been wary of legislating for human rights—seeing all…
Four freedoms
Is it time for Australia to legislate for a minimalist bill of rights? Now, before you scream ‘Not as long…
EXCLUSIVE: Kel Richards’ election dictionary
Puzzled by the way words are used in the election campaign? Here’s your handy cut out ‘n’ keep pocket guide…
