The Virtual Pub
Come Inside... => The Snug => Topic started by: Nick on November 05, 2007, 10:06:53 AM
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I wrote an article for someone yesterday which included the words "Under Weigh" in teh title.
He has told me it's wrong. I have said that it isn't necessarily wrong, just accurate!
See here:
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm)
What do pedants here think?
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Really rather depends on what was meant.
If you were referring to a ship (for example) starting to move, it would be 'Under Way', whereas, if you had been served 15 oz of spuds when you asked for a pound, then there would have been an 'Under Weigh' during the dispensation of said spuds.
Of course, you could have meant something completely different!
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I wrote an article for someone yesterday which included the words "Under Weigh" in teh title.
He has told me it's wrong. I have said that it isn't necessarily wrong, just accurate!
See here:
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm)
What do pedants here think?
I am not a oedant so I couldnt possibly comment.
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Really rather depends on what was meant.
If you were referring to a ship (for example) starting to move, it would be 'Under Way', whereas, if you had been served 15 oz of spuds when you asked for a pound, then there would have been an 'Under Weigh' during the dispensation of said spuds.
Of course, you could have meant something completely different!
noooo:
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I wrote an article for someone yesterday which included the words "Under Weigh" in teh title.
He has told me it's wrong. I have said that it isn't necessarily wrong, just accurate!
See here:
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-und2.htm)
What do pedants here think?
If it is in the context of 'getting started' then 'under way' is the regular useage and 'under weigh' is rather quaint.
However, if the item had anything to do with insufficient weighing of people or objects, then 'under weigh' is the only choice.
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No it didn't. I wasted too much of my youth reading Victorian literature it seems evil:
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No it didn't. I wasted too much of my youth reading Victorian literature it seems evil:
When Wench surfaces, try shouting "A vast behind Mrs Hornblower". whistle:
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cussing:
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I did and it worked!! lol:
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Check Fowler's "Modern English Usage" for Under Way and all is explained.
You are in good company though as Thackery, to name but one, made the same error. whistle:
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evil:
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The original expression for getting a boat moving has nothing to do with weighing anchor and is “getting under way,” but so many sophisticated writers get this wrong that you’re not likely to get into trouble if you imitate them.
whistle:
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evil:
I take it you checked.
You do have good precedent for using it as two words and Fowler says it should NEVER be used as one word (even if it is fundamentally wrong to spell it Weigh unless referring to weight)
Precisely Uncle Mort
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You are in good company though as Thackery, to name but one, made the same error.
I liked 'Sister Josephine' when he did it on 'Bradens Week' ;D
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Thackray and Thackeray, but not in that order.
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Thackray and Thackeray, but not in that order.
Which one favoured 'weigh' then?
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Don't have a go at me 'cos you got it wrong. sad24:
Your critic (employer?) was even more wrong (or wronger as children like to say nowadays) noooo:
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Thackray and Thackeray, but not in that order.
Which one favoured 'weigh' then?
The second one!
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Que?
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No, William
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Under weigh
Should be either 'Under way' or 'Under weight' depending on the context.
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Under weigh
Should be either 'Under way' or 'Under weight' depending on the context.
There are also contexts in which 'under weigh' would be correct. evil:
See matron for an enema at once.