Monday, November 18, 2013

On the crest of a waive


Here's a new one. I'm going to name and shame here, because this is virtual illiteracy. I've just received an email from the Woodland Trust in the UK, that contains the immortal sentence:

"We made it our top story because without your voice these plans could simply get waived through, with worrying consequences."

Does the author actually know what waive means, I wonder? Is it a case of adding an extra letter to a word somehow makes it look more important?

3 comments:

  1. Well ... I have to claim ignorance on this one. I've looked up the word "waive" and it seems to fit their meaning. As I understand the sentence, they are saying that the plans could be pushed through without public input which is normally required for these type plans. What am I missing? :-)

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  2. In the sense used here, the plans are being "waved through": in you go, mate, no need to check your ticket. Any process of scrutiny has been waived. The strict definition of waive is to surrender a right or claim. Whichever way you look at it, it's a mis-spelling, simple as that!

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    Replies
    1. Oh ... I get it! Thanks for the clarification. That's what I love about your blog ... I always learn something! :-)

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