Sir: The other day I stopped by the butcher and ordered two filets mignons. When I got home, I saw that what I had purchased were two fillet mingons. What do you think I should do with them?
- Apprehensive
Answer: Eat 'em, of course, and hope for the best. Whaddya want, a good meal or a chance to correct the butcher's spelling? But next time, look at the label before you pay. Since there's no such thing as a fillet mingon, you could have been sold anything. Even liver.
Sir: Please write about "the whole nine yards" - the derivation, origin, meaning, etc.
- R.J.M.
Answer: Well, it means all of it, everything. But several years ago when I cited the standard explanation of the origin, I was roundly assailed by people who said it was wrong. Nonetheless, the authorities still say it's from construction workers describing the maximum capacity a cement-mixer can carry - nine cubic yards of cement. I never drove a cement-mixer, so I don't really know, and yes, I do know that a cement-mixer mixes cement, sand, gravel and water to make concrete, if that helps. Still, the most recent authority on phrase origins insists that's the truth. Meanwhile, the line of correctors forms to the right.
Sir: You said getting "long in the tooth" refers to horses and means aging. One of your readers contradicted you. But you were absolutely correct. The horse's teeth continue to grow throughout its life. As my letterhead denotes, I speak with some authority. You might tell your critic you got this information straight from the horse's mouth.
- J. R. V. Jr., BS, MS, DVM.
Answer: That's good enough for me, sir, and I hope your Animal Clinic and Reproductive Center prospers. Hooray for long-toothed horses.
Sir: A "recital" refers to recitation of verse, an essay, etc. Why do we speak of a dance recital or a piano recital? On those occasions, we're too nervous to speak or recite even if we were supposed to.
- Knocking Knees
Answer: I don't know, unless it's because one definition of a recital is a concert given by a musician or dancer. Ease up on those knees.
Sir: A leading lawyer was quoted recently as "projecting what might lay ahead." That does it! I fear all is lost when fancy lawyers so mutilate our nice language.
- Tom W.
Answer: Right. But give him the benefit of the doubt. He may be so afraid someone will accuse him of lying that he prefers to lay.
FERVENT HOPE of the Week, by Anonymous:
"My newspaper's headline said `Dispatcher Soothes Man With Shotgun.' I hope no one ever soothes me that way!"