Abuse of language

[JohnW2]

AFAI *Halloween* is derived from *All Hallows Even* so technically it should be *''Hallow''e'en*. That's a total of 5 ' s in place of: All, space, s, space & v.

This is a genuine question, not a quibble ...

As I recently wrote (and although I've very occasionally seen, maybe even used, it as a 'one-off' creation), I can't think of any commonly-used 'contracted word' that uses more than one apostrophe to represent 'missing letters', can you?

Looking at your 'example' above, I certainly don't think that there would ever be a need for two consecutive apostrophes, since we already accept that one apostrophe can represent two consecutive missing letters (as in " I'll " etc.), so I presume the same (just one apostrophe) could/would be used for more than two consecutive missing letters.

Indeed, there are (not all that common) situations in which, usually to considerably shorten a word (because of space of 'character count' limitations), one apostrophe represents many consecutive missing letters - such as " Int'l " for "International".

Kind Regards, John

 

[BS3036]

Indeed, there are (not all that common) situations in which, usually to considerably shorten a word (because of space of 'character count' limitations), one apostrophe represents many consecutive missing letters - such as " Int'l " for "International".

One exception is I18n for 'Internationalisation'.

 

[JohnW2]

Apologies I assumed from your previous posts that you were an electrician. ... You know what they say about assume.... Though I am unsure if you are being pedantic and you are an electrician....

No, not pedantic - I'm not an electrician (past or present) by any credible definition. I have never been paid to do any electrical work, and the only that I ever have done has been in my own homes over the decades or, very occasionally, those of family/friends.

I have training, qualifications (mainly 'high level') and experience in what is probably an usually wide range of disciplines, but none is even remotely related to anything electrical. The nearest I can offer to a 'qualification' in relation to 'electrons moving in conductors' is having passed the Radio Amateurs Exam in 1963, at the age of 13

However, I have an interest and (even if I say so myself!) a fair degree of knowledge, skills and experience in relation to many other fields on a hobby/DIY basis - as well as 'things electrical', that includes electronics, plumbing, carpentry, 'building', car etc. maintenance etc. etc - but I have no formal training or 'qualifications' in relation to any of those fields.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

One exception is I18n for 'Internationalisation'.

Do you mean an exception to using apostrophes to indicate missing letter(s)? If so, then I agree, but I think such examples are very unusual - although I am 'aware of' "I18n" I don't think I've ever actually seen it used in anything I've read - although I dare say it's familiar to those who read 'relevant things'.

Kind Regards, John

 

[BS3036]

I don't think I've ever actually seen it used in anything I've read - although I dare say it's familiar to those who read 'relevant things'.

I once wrote a program that converted any text file, in any world language, into a Gameboy cartridge book reader. During the development research I got fed up with seeing I18n, and yes, it is of course a major exception. You just reminded me with 'such as " Int'l " for "International".'

 

[sparkwright]

my wifi threw a wobbly

Down our way at least, it's a "wobbler".

 

[JohnW2]

Down our way at least, it's a "wobbler".

For what it's worth, as it is for SUNRAY, her in Bucks it still seems to be a "Wobbly"

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

I once wrote a program that converted any text file, in any world language, into a Gameboy cartridge book reader. During the development research I got fed up with seeing I18n, and yes, it is of course a major exception. You just reminded me with 'such as " Int'l " for "International".'

Fair enough - but, as I said, I have not personally ever seen it used in anything I've read It's certain an 'exception' (to the use of apostrophes) but I would have thought an extremely rare one.

Kind Regards, John

 

[securespark]

I can't think of any commonly-used 'contracted word' that uses more than one apostrophe to represent 'missing letters', can you?

Yeah, like I mentioned " 'n' " instead of "and".

 

[RandomGrinch]

I can't think of any commonly-used 'contracted word' that uses more than one apostrophe to represent 'missing letters', can you?

Fo'c'sle ?
Bo's'n ?

...and of course 'tisn't !

 

[SUNRAY]

I once wrote a program that converted any text file, in any world language, into a Gameboy cartridge book reader. During the development research I got fed up with seeing I18n, and yes, it is of course a major exception. You just reminded me with 'such as " Int'l " for "International".'

Sorry no! int'l and ext'l = internal and external. That'll be another problem with abr'v't'ns.

 

[sparkwright]

How about shouldn't've ?

 

[SUNRAY]

Fo'c'sle ?
Bo's'n ?

...and of course 'tisn't !

'tisn't 'tisn't, 'tis 'taint. or is it 'tisn't 'taint, 'tis 'tisn't.

 

[sparkwright]

I'd've.

 

[sparkwright]

Who'd've.