Words and Phrases.
<4^r OT SHAW,” a correspondent who adopts a dreadful punning pen name, asks what rule underlies the creation of the word Shavian to describe things peculiar to Mr G. B. Shaw. The changing of the “ w ” to a “ v ” is what is known as a phonetic substitution. It is found also in Harrovian. It is a compliment to the eminence of the author that such a word should have stuck, but it is probable that it will go out of use within twenty-five years of his death. “ Shakespearean ” is immortal, but Miltonic is rarely heard. Johnsonian will probably survive because of the unique quality of Boswell’s great biography. Gilbertian and Rabelaisian also may be regarded as permanencies. Etonian is well-known, but Rugbeian and Marlburisn, which are not so pleasant to the ear, are not in such common use. There are many names that have a pronounced variation. A man from Glasgow is called a Glaswegian, and a student from Winchester is called a Wykehamist, but that name comes from William of Wykeham, the founder. TOUCHSTONE.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19340328.2.117
Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20266, 28 March 1934, Page 8
Word Count
178Words and Phrases. Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20266, 28 March 1934, Page 8
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