Category Archives: word play

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Catch Word is a word under the right-hand side of the last line on a book page that repeats the first word on the following page – circa 1736. It was commonly used in printing. The phrase has come into … Continue reading →

Posted in customs and tradiitons, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Editing 101: Words Frequently Confused (Part 2)

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Most writers enjoy games that test their knowledge of word skills. Yet, knowing which word or phrase to choose can be a challenge even for those of us who consider ourselves “word” worshippers. Are you aware of the distinctions listed … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

From Where Does That Phrase Come? A Bit of Slang

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Slang, consists of a lexicon of non-standard words and phrases in a given language. Use of these words and phrases is typically associated with the subversion of a standard variety (such as Standard English) and is likely to be interpreted … Continue reading →

Posted in language choices, Pop Culture, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, I was checking the source of several key phrases within my current WIP (Work in Progress), a cozy mystery, checking to discover whether the word/phrase would have been used in Regency England. Below, are some of those I researched. … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

From Where Does that Phrase Come?

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

I am fascinated by the origin of common phrases. Her are some of my favorites, ones I have used repeatedly over the years. Add yours to the list, and we will see if we can find their sources. the apple … Continue reading →

Posted in language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Why Austen’s Works Easily Translate into Modern Adaptations

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Jane Austen’s works are often classified as “romances.” The assumption comes from the premise that if the heroine meets a handsome man in Chapter One, he must be the hero. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the romantic hero of Pride and Prejudice, … Continue reading →

Posted in film, Jane Austen, language choices, Living in the Regency, Napoleonic Wars, Pop Culture, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency personalities, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Editing 101: Homophones and Other Words Often Confused

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

While editing, we must take comfort in the fact none of us can know everything about language choices. I know the frustration. There is nothing worse than to reread a passage six months after its publication and to spot an … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, Uncategorized, word play | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Wonderful World of the English Language: From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Do you wonder from where words originate? From whom they originate? Try some of these on for fun. They would make great story starters at a party. LOL! Ketchup: Ketchup was originally a sauce composed of the juices of edible … Continue reading →

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The Wonderful World of the English Language – Inherited Phrases from England

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

The Wonderful World of the English Language – Part Four Today we will look at phrases/words we have inherited from England. Go to the Dickens! (or) What the Dickens! Believe it or not, neither phrase has anything to do with … Continue reading →

Posted in language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Editing 101: Editing Sticklers!

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Editing is one of the least favorite activities for writers, but it is a necessary evil. We all miss items in our writing – no matter how often one revisits the piece. The mind reads what SHOULD be on the … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments