Just recently I was in a conversation with a number of UK mainlanders and we had a debate over what “tories” meant, apparently disproportionately ordinarily it refers to a political party and it’s not usual to use it as short for “territories” as I’ve used it (according to how the debate ended, it was half and half between them). And once again I’m reminded of how people feel to look back at their usage of a word/phrase over the years and cringe.

More tragically, me and a friend were embarrassed once upon realizing everyone was confusing “encephalitis” with “hydrocephalus” when talking to someone about their kid with hydrocephalus. Awkward because encephalitis is caused by HIV.

  • ℕ𝕖𝕞𝕠
    2·
    11 months ago

    “Alternately” means “switching back and forth” like “She spoke rapidly, alternately English and Spanish, whichever came more readily to her tongue.”

    “Alternatively” means “as another option”, like “We usually go with Bob in this situation; alternatively, I think Rudi is ready to try this solo.”