Len's News, Notes, and Stuff

Another English Word Mauled by Politicians

Politicians and bureaucrats (including those in private industry) have latched on to the use of the word “ask” as a noun.  This perfectly good verb is being mauled every day into a noun where “a request” should be used.  Now, another English word is in peril, thanks to the politicians, their spinmasters, and speechwriters.

As the Canadian public questions the Prime Minister’s proroguing of Parliament – for non-Canadians, that our national leader closing the doors on our national assembly/house of representatives – ministers and the Prime Minister have had to defend the act via the media.  Inevitably, it seems, they answer that this break is necessary for the government to “recalibrate.”

Hello?  Recalibrate?  What you really mean is “figure out what the f*** we’re doing,” right?  Then put it more politely but clearly, “The situation we’re facing has changed dramatically.  We need to step back and plan accordingly.”

Recalibration is something you do for instruments.  You recalibrate an instrument against set and known measurements in order to ensure that it accurately measures other things.  You don’t recalibrate plans, policies, people, or a government.

Using the verb “recalibrate” in this context is unnecessary.  Other words already exist that work better because they are unambiguous and do not involve assaulting the English language.

Reevaluate.  Plan.  Assess.

But no, not the equally meaningless but only slightly less inane “strategizing.”

Politicians are wont to cloudy the waters and speak obtusely.  I accept that to be the common condition amongst weak leaders.  However, my fear is that this new abuse of a perfectly good word will also spread amongst the weak-minded in other fields as well.

Please don’t just stand by and watch another perfectly good word get mauled.  If someone at work picks up this behaviour. point out the meaningless nature of the word in this context.  Ask for clarification.  Ask that the proper verb be used. Stop the violence against the English language!