Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

From metal type to metaphor: printing terms that extended their reach. The positive 'anymore.' Gigglemare.

Nov 28, 2023

Explore the influence of printing terms on everyday language, including typecast, stereotype, cliche, and boilerplate. Learn about the evolution of printing methods and the origin of 'out of sorts.' Discover the origins of 'boilerplate' and the use of negative polarity items in language. Dive into the positive usage of 'anymore' in English grammar and the introduction of the term 'Giggle-mer'.

17:55

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Quick takeaways

Printing terms like 'stereotype' and 'boilerplate' have transitioned from specialist vocabulary to everyday figurative language, reflecting their historical association with writers and printers.

'Anymore' can be used in a positive sense in certain dialects of English, highlighting regional variations in grammar and language usage.

Deep dives

Printing Terms in Everyday Language

This segment explores how certain printing terms, such as typecast, stereotype, cliche, and boilerplate, have made their way into everyday language. These terms originated in the 19th century and were adopted into general usage during times of societal change. The association between writers, printers, and the art of printing likely facilitated the integration of these terms into everyday speech. The segment delves into the history of these terms, their printing origins, and how they have evolved in meaning over time.

Introduction

3min

The Influence of Printing Terms in Everyday Language

8min

Evolution of Printing Methods and the Origin of 'Out of Sorts'

2min

The Origin of 'Boilerplate' and Negative Polarity Items in Language

3min

Positive 'anymore' in English grammar and introducing the 'Giggle-mer'

4min

956. How did terms like "stereotype," "boilerplate," and "typecast" make the leap from specialist printing vocabulary to widespread figurative language? We trace the etymology of these and other expressions. Plus, the story of positive "anymore."

| Transcript: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/printing-terms/transcript

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