Why a duck: old taping system makes the headlines

Article Abstract:

Homeland Security director Tom Ridge's recommendation that citizens keep handy a supply of duct tape in the event of bioterrorism, in order to seal off rooms, stimulates analysis of the various misspellings of the product's name. The sources of the phrase "fourscore" in the Gettysburg Address are examined.

Author: Safire, William
Publisher: The New York Times Company
Publication Name: The New York Times Magazine
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0028-7822
Year: 2003
Organizational nomenclature, Analysis, Usage, Column, English language, Names, Lincoln, Abraham, Speeches, lectures and essays, Spelling, President of the United States, Duct tape

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Trashtalk: hogwash! Flapdoodle! Poppycock! Piffle!

Article Abstract:

The phrase talking trash dates back to the Civil war, and its recent use dates back to the 1940s. The current use of the phrase has given rise to more violent responses because its use is no longer innocent. Better words that do not provoke violence are recommended.

Author: Safire, William
Publisher: The New York Times Company
Publication Name: The New York Times Magazine
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0028-7822
Year: 2003
Social aspects, Terms and phrases

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Subjects list: United States
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