Kudos to AB for using the term Champing at the Bit correctly in his article
26 Replies
E
EDGEMAN
3y
Just saying...lol
"The quick answer to whether champ or chomp is correct is that both are acceptable for modern use – meaning you can use either! To champ or chomp at the bit is to be restless or unable to show restraint."
(In response to this post by VRJNYTK)
3y
never heard champing in a barn. Heard chomping on the bit many times.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
3y
In future, I will pay closer attention when around horses
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
3y
That's just because the powers that be have given up on recommending/enforcing proper usage, pronunciation, grammar, etc.
Every time I look something up to figure out if it's either-or, the resulting answer is, "either one is acceptable."
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
V
vtox1
3y
Argue that the most modern commonly used today version is better - chomping.
While using the more historically precise Champing can come across as intellectual snobbery or horse people elitist.
I personally enjoyed the use of Champing as it led to this discussion and learning.
However, if one's objective is to communicate effectively and most efficiently without distraction it is hard to argue one should not use the more commonly used "Chomping".
If Andy is writing for Roanoke Times, USA Today or the Athletic, he should use chomping IMHO.
Maybe Champing for TSL or University audience.
Certainly, Champing for a room full of faculty with PHDs in English or room of racing horse owners from the UK.
(In response to this post by Will Stewart)
V
vtox1
3y
Used vassilate at work once none of my co-workers had a clue what it meant.
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
"For all intensive purposes, either is acceptable"
(In response to this post by Will Stewart)
3y
We will just make it acceptable.
The written word is no longer important
(In response to this post by Will Stewart)
3y
Do you ever say or use the term "OK"?
That comes from a fad in the late 1800s where words were intentionally misspelled. "All correct" was a phrase that was used, and due to that fad, people started spelling it as "oll korrect" - which became "OK". If people did that today, they would be decried as lazy or polluting the language. And I believe they were castigated about it at the time.
But...here we are 100+ years. We don't say "oll korrect", but we say "OK" all the time.
(In response to this post by VRJNYTK)
3y
junk language
(In response to this post by VRJNYTK)
E
EDGEMAN
3y
Channeling Bill Murray in Stripes.
(In response to this post by VTCC 65)
3y
However...I can't forgive "I could care less".
(In response to this post by Will Stewart)
3y
modern use" because no one actually says the word "champing" anymore. it's like saying "you" is acceptable for modern use instead of "thee" :-)
(In response to this post by Will Stewart)
3y
(In response to this post by VRJNYTK)
3y
but even if you're going to be colloquial, I would think it's "up and moved," not "upped and moved"
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)