Words and Phrases.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 14 June 1934, Page 8

Words and Phrases.

PROFESSOR H. C. WYLD has come to the conclusion, says London “ Truth. * that “ the best English is most consistently heard at its best ” amongst officers of the regular British Army. It is “ clear-cut and precise, yet free from affectation.” Perhaps the Professor is not equally familiar with the officers of the Royal Navy. In the clear-cut and precise line they are preeminent, wl ilst the freedom from affectation has long been a matter of some uneasiness in the lower-deck. What could be more “ refined and urbane ” than the stereotyped assent to the faltering request of the humble seaman for leave to attend yet another family funeral—“ Yes, please!" “ Observer ” sends the following supplementary note on pike and turnpike: Weeklev says that turnpike was originally a military term and was a synonym for chevaux-de-frise, a spar of wood carrying iron spikes as a defence against horse The beam revolved if the spikes were grasped. The later turnpike was in fact a turnstile, used for taking tolls. Dickens makes Sam Weller refej to keeping a pike, which meant the toll-house and gate. TOUCHSTONE.