How would you describe the language on this front page? The “pure terror”, the “snarling mob”, the “terror written across her face”, the “steaming gang of masked rioters”?
A few words probably spring to mind – but “plain” is unlikely to be one of them.
Strange, then, that the Daily Mail has been singled out for praise today by the Plain English Campaign. (Yes, it’s National Plain English Day.)
True enough, the words themselves are plain. No one is going to misunderstand “mob”, “gang” and “horror”. But maybe it’s a sign that plain words don’t necessarily add up to plain talking.
Perfectly straightforward language can also add up to some of the most insinuating, sly, offensive writing imaginable.
Still, let’s forget about that and poke fun at a footballer for misusing the word ‘literally’.
Good to see the York Press get a mention too, presumably based on the plain language used in their recent 'restaurant' review of Greggs.
Posted by: Daniel | 10 December 2010 at 13:53
That sounds well worth a read.
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 10 December 2010 at 16:10