Style Bites » Words to Watch

amid vs. amidst

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:55:08 +0000

Use amid. (Refrain from using longer words when shorter ones will do. Plus, it’s pretentious.)

among vs. amongst

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:57:08 +0000

Use among. (Refrain from using longer words when shorter ones will do. Plus, it’s pretentious.)

barbecue

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:57:38 +0000

Not BBQ. Not bar-be-que. Not bar-b-que. It is always barbecue, unless it is in the context of a restaurant name, in which case we should honor that spelling.

Barbecue vs. grilling
Barbecue and grilling are not interchangeable. As ‘cue heads are quick to point out, “barbecue is a noun.” Barbecue is slow-cooked, smoked meat. Grilling involves cooking food on a grate over direct or indirect heat.

Avoid using barbecue when you mean grilling.

Avoid using barbecue as a catch-phrase for an outdoor party that involves grilling; use cookout instead.

British spellings

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:59:33 +0000

Avoid. Nothing against the Brits, but I don’t want to see colour, flavour, favourite, defence or any other British spellings—unless you’re British and have special permission.

chocolaty

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:59:57 +0000

not chocolately or chocolate-y

compliment, complement

akuban — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:45:36 +0000

Please watch this word. I’ve seen it cropping up misused across the site lately.

compliment: an expression of esteem or admiration

complement: something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect

Yes: The addition of mustard complements a hot dog.
Yes: I simply must compliment this street vendor on this delicious hot dog.
No: The thick slice of Berkshire pork compliments the bowl of ramen.

doughnut, donut

akuban — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:00:26 +0000

The difference between doughnut and donut is UGH.

Web 11 lists the first spelling as doughnut. Please abide by this.

Exceptions: Donut is OK if the name of an establishment or product uses the spelling.

end result

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:23:12 +0000

Redundant.

Just use result.

fancy-pants

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:07:47 +0000

Not fancypants.

farmers’ market

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:26:18 +0000

Note the position of the apostrophe.