Know Your English - October 2003

• WHAT IS the meaning and origin of the expression "to go hammer and tongs at someone"?
• What is the difference between "misinformed" and "ill-informed"?
• Why do we refer to ordinary paper as "full scape" paper?
• How is the word "kudos" pronounced? Is it singular or plural?
• When you call a shop and want to know if it is open can you say, "Are you open"?
• WHAT IS the difference between "earmark" and "hallmark"?
• What is the meaning of the word "Sisyphean"?
• What is the meaning of "euthanasia"? How is the word pronounced?
• What is the meaning and origin of "flotsam and jetsam"?
• WHAT IS the meaning and origin of the expression "read between the lines"?
• Why is an important person called a "bigwig"?
• When you use B.C. and A.D., where should the numerals come? Before or after B.C. and A.D.?
• Which of the following is correct "He feels ill" or "He feels sick"? Can I say, "He is an ill person"?
• Wimp out, death warmed over, etc.