Multiple moans from the get-go

Michael Henderson

● IMPERIALISM IS A TREE with many thorns, as Nigel Biggar has found out. At the BBC they take what headmasters used to call “a dim view” of an historical phenomenon considered to be uniquely British. Except when it comes to cultural imperialism, when programme-makers become mustard keen. Then they can’t get enough. Turn on the wireless at any hour, and you may think this country has been infected by a linguistic virus. Words and phrases that were once regarded as intrusive Americanisms have become commonplace. Curveball (what’s wrong with bouncer?) and stepping up to the plate (taking a fresh guard?) are daily horrors which merit six firm strokes of the cane. The wrong syllables in simple words like “harass”, “marathon” and “research” are stressed repeatedly. “Multiple” does service for…

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The Critic (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2023

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