Thoughts
Die, not dice.
My A level mathematics course contains a module of statistics, in which probability is briefly covered.
Today, my maths teacher began to talk about the discrete nature of the results from the throw of "a dice". My heart sank. Does the word 'die' - as in the singular form of 'dice' - really have to end its life in so undignified a way? It's not even a logical progression of the language: it doesn't make sense to use just one word, and it certainly doesn't sound any better that way.
These misguided people - and there are a lot - aren't using 'dice' as a conscious alternative to 'die', they simply just don't know any better. Most don't even believe me when I correct them: that can't be right, they insist, and I end up having to find a dictionary to prove it to them.
Are you planning on having children? Teach them the proper meaning. Tell your friends, co-workers, teachers, because I have trouble sleeping at night knowing that one day 'a dice' could become acceptable English. I wouldn't complain if you told them about the word 'datum', too.
Popularity: 1%
1 votes, average: 5 out of 5
Loading ...Discussion
7 comments for “Die, not dice.”
Post a comment
And while we're at it let's fix 'decimate' which means to destroy one in ten as the Romans did to naughty soldiers.
Spot on, Michael!
And how about 'cohort' which means one tenth of a legion (about 300 - 600 men). Not 'accomplice'.
I blame the lack of education in the classics these days…
This is a joke, right?
Right?
No. Shut up.
"And while we’re at it let’s fix ‘decimate’ which means to destroy one in ten as the Romans did to naughty soldiers."
There's a whole host of words which don't hold the same meaning as originally intended. I'd prefer decimate and cohort stayed in the English language despite being used outside their official definition thankyouverymuch!
Cut me deep, rich.
WHO GIVES A SHIT