web-goddess: archived post

Wednesday, June 11, 2003

Grammar Nerds: I've recently noticed yet another Australian linguistic quirk. Many people, when cheering for their favorite sports team, add a "the" in there. For example, last weekend I heard lots of folks say "Go the Wallabies!" See, doesn't that sound weird? I kept trying to explain the weirdness to the Snook by, like, diagramming the sentence. "Go" obviously makes it an imperative statement, so "the Wallabies" should be who the command is directed at. But you never use a definite article when you're talking to someone, do you? I can't imagine a Yank saying "Come over here, the team!" or "Silence, the cadets!" or even "Come on the Cubs!". I don't remember ever hearing such a thing in England either. Like I said, it's just weird.

Comments

it actually doesn't sound weird to me. a clear indication that i've been brainwashed by my aussie.
» Kristen [www] » 2003-06-12 09:43:19

You know where all those extra 'the's come from don't you? From sentences like 'I have to go to hospital' (instead of 'go to THE hospital' for all you Aussies) tee-hee -gg70
» gadgetgirl [www] » 2003-06-12 15:40:27

Hahaha... That's so right, gg!
» Kris [www] » 2003-06-12 16:27:32

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archived post

This is where my weblog goes to die. Every post has a permanent home, so this is where you should link if you're so inclined.

"RunningBlog" refers to posts related to running that are cross-posted over at geekgirlrunner.

"Moblog" refers to posts and images posted directly from my mobile phone.

"PW Blog" refers to posts recovered from my very first weblog, which dealt with news related to my college dorm.