I was one of those kids that loved spelling in school.
It came so naturally somehow, like it was in my DNA. Spelling bees were a joy, spelling tests, something I looked forward to.
But now, I fight with the spell-checker every day.
Why, you ask? What caused this change?
Sherlock Holmes, of course. Sometimes, I spell like Conan Doyle.
Moustache. Theatre. Colour.
And "travelling." Oh, how that double consonant thing vexes me. At least with the first three I'm aware of what's causing it. That double "l" in travelling just sneaks in there.
There are the "tempting, but no" words like "cheque," where it's so obviously not American standard that it's impossible to screw up accidentally, but it's just so pretty, so tempting. Cheque, cheque, cheque. We just don't use the "q" nearly enough over here!
At least spoken English has an obvious accent to it when you go British. Written, however?
Loving Sherlock Holmes too much has its side effects, as with any other serious condition. Maybe they should put warning labels on the Canon.
The ongoing investigation of Sherlock Holmes, reported from the Peoria, Illinois outpost of Baker Street's dirtiest half a dozen.
I use the British spellings often - that 'Conan Doyle Syndrome' - but leave them as is. And yes, that double 'l' is a sneaky barstard. Yes - barstard - MY OWN spelling!
ReplyDeleteAh, they have the "q", but we have the "z"! In the grand scheme of things, I believe it balances out.
ReplyDeleteBut I know what you mean about the spelling; those Britishisms keep creeping in. My favourite is "grey". I like grey, and I totally despise gray. Nope, don't like it and you can't make me use it! So THERE!
Korina (perhaps Kourina someday?)