So is the addition of “mis” before a word now an admission you’ve been caught doing something you regret? Is “mis” the new must-have tactic whenever facing a news conference?
First, embattled baseball star Roger Clemens told Congress that former team mate Andy Petite “misremembered” a conversation about human growth hormone. Now, presidential candidate is saying she that she “misspoke” in describing a sniper attack, which resulted in a “misstatement.”
When is the last time you — any of you — used any of these “mis” words? I realize that public figures have to be creative in their word choice when facing a room full of snarling reporters. But can we please, please ditch the “mis” statements.
I’m waiting for Margaret B. Jones Peggy Seltzer to come out and say she “miswrote” her book. Or, maybe a soldier will say he “misshot” his weapon. The loser on Iron Chef will say he “miscooked” his meal? A drunken guitar playing rock star will say he “mischorded” his song?
Where oh where will the agony end?
I can see misspoke being, eh, spoken. But all the rest make you sound like you don’t know how to speak. Perhaps it is a national effect of someone saying things like ‘nucular’ and ‘I’m the decider’
From The American Heritage Dictionary:
mis·re·mem·ber (mĭs’rĭ-měm’bər) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. mis·re·mem·bered, mis·re·mem·ber·ing, mis·re·mem·bers
To remember incorrectly.
You’re right, Tracy. These are, in many instances, correct words. But how common are they? When was the last time anyone used them, except in these odd moments? I’m a big fan of pushing the linguistic envelope and of using diction that isn’t mundane and dumbed-down. But these just seem awkward and weird.
It’s just a strange phenomenon.
Flash! Hillary is Client #5…and Spitzer is pissed!!
In Clintonesque, “mis-spoke” = “lied” - but it sounds nicer. Now, define “the” . . .
Yeah. Are there still people who don’t see right through this charlatan? She brokered peace in Ireland? Really? *snicker*
Obama ‘08