‘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
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”?
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.