‘Got’ was changed during the editing of an opinion piece, leading to correspondence lamenting a slide into American English. But language isn’t a fortress, says the Guardian’s global readers’ editor Elisabeth Ribbans
Gotten is a perfectly good English word. “Stiff upper lip,” that supposed touchstone of the English character, was first used in the United States. Grammar is largely a matter of fashion. If you find yourself questioning the vocabulary choices of various publications because you think they ought to be more English might I suggest having a nice cup of tea, or a tasty beverage of your choice, instead?
Why did you start this post with the American phrase “Rookie mistake”? You probably thought that it pithily encapsulated something to do with your point. Or maybe you’re just a… what is it you young people say? A “memelord”?
Gotten is a perfectly good English word. “Stiff upper lip,” that supposed touchstone of the English character, was first used in the United States. Grammar is largely a matter of fashion. If you find yourself questioning the vocabulary choices of various publications because you think they ought to be more English might I suggest having a nice cup of tea, or a tasty beverage of your choice, instead?
Get out, and stay out. Please.
Gotten should be consigned to the history books. Along with “write me”, “light something on fire” and numerous other Americanisms.
Why did you start this post with the American phrase “Rookie mistake”? You probably thought that it pithily encapsulated something to do with your point. Or maybe you’re just a… what is it you young people say? A “memelord”?
No one is sure where the term “rookie” comes from. Its first noted usage was in 1892 by Rudyard Kipling, referring to recruits in the British Army.
And “Rookie Mistake”? Is that Kipling too?
No idea, I was too busy tiktoking his cake recipes with my fellow kids.
You’re finally talking sense.