Discussion Groups / English Usage / May 2010

Tap, tap -- is this working?

Was "Pillett" a famous make of sabers and the like? Couldn't get a
confirmation.
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[In Africa]

Any role for "in" in
"started in to say?"
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[Criticizing the philosophers for preparing the ordinary man for wars,

What is the word for having or wanting sex with young teenagers?  It's
usually called pedophilia, but aiui that refers only to pre-pubescent
children.
It's from Greek.  What is the Greek word for teenager, etc.?

"Drawing long bows"
seem to mean
"exaggerating."
Origin?

How did ``'tis the season'' come about? I mean, more specifically, how
did ``'tis'' come about? Any pointers on the history would be
appreciated.

I want to know, need to know how all these things work.
How many commas?

Diane sawyer on ABC news says that the gas coming out of the bad oil
well in the Gulf evaporates.
Then the guy, Jeffrey Kofman, who talked next said it vaporizes.
I think they both should have said it floats away and disperses. (not

I know about "would" being contracted to "'d."
How about "should?"
I think we're dealing with a "putative should" in
"prayer of mine that they'd be surprised."

Re
"lab. boy"
Was there a time when the period after "lab" indicating a short-cut
for "laboratory," was used more heavily than it is today, when I

Douchebag is making a comeback ... RSFCers could use the publicity.

"All taped"
does it mean
"down pat," "all figured out?"
Origin?

Is it normal to use
"What" (and not "Who")
in
"What made me think ... was that major?"

Would the transitive
"as well as what was _beaten_ out over him"
also work?
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I wonder what's the difference in English between "as" and "how" in
such a context?
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[They're trying to avoid Madelon meeting Robinson]