Extravagant language
Sir,—Especially in advertisements, extravagant words are common. All the superlatives are now used up. There is nothing beyond them. Surely a degree of moderation would be far more effective. Such words as “gigantic, fabulous, stupendous and fantastic” are used ad nauseam. A minor sports event is billed as a “classic.” Nonsense. I once stood near a woman at an art exhibition. She described a piece of modernistic trash as “exquisite.” That’s all she knew. A locality is described as “prestigious.” I suppose that is where “all the best people live.” Just what is “prestige"? It sounds very conceited. I have seen a thing described as “rather unique.” That also is nonsense. You cannot possibly have degrees of uniqueness. I wish that foreign word “bonanza” would disappear for good.—Yours, etc., H. S. BA VERSTOCK. March 28, 1983.
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Press, 30 March 1983, Page 12
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138Extravagant language Press, 30 March 1983, Page 12
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