Good day to you!

I was watching a quiz show on TV the other evening, and I heard one of the celebrity guests tease another for incorrectly using the word choice rather than option. He had said something like “We don’t have any good choices,” when he should have said “We don’t have any good options.”

For many people, the two words are used interchangeably, but they’re not actually synonymous. Here’s the gist: out of the options we are given, we make a choice. Options are just possibilities, but choices are commitments.

Another way to look at it according to boringbug.com is this: “An option is a noun for a thing and a choice is a noun for your decision.”

This confusion is so widespread, however, that you may still be working this out, so I’ll provide some examples of correct usage:

• I don’t know what I want for dinner. What are my options?
• There are so many good options on the menu, it’s hard for me to make a choice.

• Marc was confused by all the options available to him at the used car lot.
• He eventually made the choice to buy an electric car.

• When deciding how to invest your money, you have many options.
• Your financial advisor can help you make choices about the best investments for you.

I hope that helps! You have the option to make today a wonderful day. I hope you make the right choice. Enjoy!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123

Pronouns she/her/hers

Symitar Documentation Services

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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Good morning!

Today is the day I announce the random winners of the haiku contest: Ben Ritter and Diana Fisher! Congratulations to the two of you. A book of your choice will be on its way to you soon. [Haiku Baby is on its way to Ben.
😊]

Ben, along with his submission, sent me an article about haiku called, “NaHaiWriMo – Why ‘No 5-7-5’?” It may seem contradictory to the haiku that most of you have written, but here is a brief excerpt explaining the haiku that we do versus the original haikuers—the Japanese.

You may have thought that haiku was supposed to be 5-7-5, so what’s up with the logo for National Haiku Writing Month—NaHaiWriMo?

Is haiku 5-7-5 or not? Well, yes and no. In Japanese, yes, haiku is indeed traditionally 5-7-5. But 5-7-5 what? In English and other languages, haiku has mistakenly been taught as having 5-7-5 syllables, but that’s not really accurate. You probably aren’t in the mood for a linguistics lecture that explains all the reasons why, but Japanese haiku counts sounds, not strictly syllables (the linguistic term is mora—Japanese is a moraic language, not a syllabic one).

For example, the word “haiku” itself counts as two syllables in English (hi-ku), but three sounds in Japanese (ha-i-ku). This isn’t how “haiku” is said in Japanese, but it is how its sounds are counted. Similarly, consider “Tokyo.” How many syllables? Most Westerners, thinking that Japan’s capital city is pronounced as “toe-key-oh,” will say three syllables, but that’s incorrect. It’s actually pronounced as “toe-kyo.” So two syllables, right? Actually, no. Rather, it counts as “toe-oh-kyo-oh”—four syllables. Or rather, sounds.

Feel free to read more at the link above, but for now, that is brief explanation of Japanese haiku, and an introduction to Ben’s winning haiku, written the night before his wedding:

bridesmaid

on the third day

of a juice fast

Ben Ritter

And now for Diana Fisher’s haiku, more traditional English-speaking haiku.

Beach

Fun in the sun

Cool waves running through my toes

Shark is at my feet

Cat

Cat on my desktop

What I do will aggravate

Step on the keyboard

Springtime

Birds in the treetops

Buds on trees flowers grow up

Bunny rabbits jump

Fate

Fate is to create

But my mind is full of paste

Life is just too hard

School

Get ready for school

Books are heavy, my brain’s full

Let’s go to the pool

Fruit

Pears can be so sweet

watermelon is a treat

Sour is the lemon

Thank you all for submitting your haiku! I will share the other submissions with you in the following Editor’s Corners.

Note: There were some submissions that were PG-13 that I am not publishing because of their political or religious content. It’s usually safer to avoid those subjects at work since they can be divisive.

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My friend, and former manager, Shawn S. sent me a video the other day. It was about a recent request from Merriam-Webster for readers to send in their favorite non-English words that cannot be easily translated into English. These words may not have an equivalent word in English, but the feelings they illicit and the ideas they present are wonderful, so I think we should absolutely consider including them in the English dictionary! Let’s see what you think.

Here are some examples from the video:

• Waldeinsamkeit (German): the feeling of being alone in the woods
• culaccino (Italian): the mark left on a table by a cold drink
• iktsuarpok (Inuit): the feeling of anticipation that leads you to keep looking outside to see if anyone is coming
• cormorebi (Japanese): sunlight leaking through trees
• pochemuchka (Russian): a person who asks a lot of questions

Merriam-Webster also asked people who watched the video to send in their favorite word. Here are some of the words folks sent in (the definitions come from the submitters, so if you know the word, and the definition doesn’t seem quite right to you, don’t shoot the messenger!). I’ve also added a great Korean word along with the definition, which came from Shawn:

• soubhiyé (Arabic): the quiet time when you’re the only one awake in the house and can enjoy a cup of coffee before the day begins [dbb – I also saw this translated as “sharing a morning cup of coffee with a group of friends or neighbors.” I’m not sure which translation is most accurate, but they both sound lovely.]
• sobremesa (Spanish): the relaxing time around the table chatting with your loved ones—usually after finishing a meal [dbb – I love this time. I’ll be using this word.]
• tsundoku (Japanese): the act of acquiring books and letting them pile up without reading them [dbb – I understand acquiring a pile of books, but not reading them?!]
• gigil (Tagalog): the overwhelming feeling you get when you see something so cute that you want to eat it [dbb – We need this word, I’ve heard English speakers say, “Your baby is so cute I could just eat her up!”]
• paiting/hwaiting (Korean): an encouraging phrase that means “you’ve got this” or “you can do it” when someone is trying to accomplish something difficult [dbb: I understand that there is no letter f in the Korean language, but when pronounced, this word can often sound like “fighting,” so the English spelling of this one shows up differently in different references.]

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123

Pronouns she/her/hers

Symitar Documentation Services

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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Today is a break

From cold literary terms

For a reminder:

You have this week for

Penning your lovely haiku

And sending them in.

The next two aren’t mine,

But they always make me laugh

When I think of them.

Good Morning Haiku From the Cat*

In the morning light,

You sleep despite my meow.

I stand on your face.

Haiku for Bacon*

That’s too much bacon.

Please just bring me some kale chips.

Said no one ever.

*https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-funny-haiku-poems-examples-for-all-ages.html

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editor’s Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/

Dear readers,

Last year we had a fun contest where I asked you to send me your haiku poems, and you did me proud! Well, I was just reminded that April 17 is National Haiku Day! It’s spring, it’s a new year, and it seems like a great time to celebrate, so I’d like to run another contest. Between today and April 16, I would love it if you would send me your haiku. For every entry you send, I’ll put your name on the list, and by April 17, I’ll randomly select a winner. I will share your haiku with the group, as long as they are PG-13, safe for work, and your own. Last year we had a lot about pets, the office, working from home, nature, and even some about miniature candy bars. The world is your oyster!

Remember, a haiku is three lines following the 5-7-5 syllable rule. Here is a selection of last year’s entries to remind you.

Haiku by a Dog

Can I have a treat?

Wait—stranger at the door—

Back. About that treat…

B. Jones

Not Again…

Video meeting.

I share a great idea,

And I am on mute.

H. Blades

Haikus are too hard

Limericks are easier

No Nantucket, please

K. Slayton

Here is my attempt

To give this contest a whirl

These feel weird to write.

S. Walter

She called the poet

I implore your artsy side

This haiku is done

M. Griffin

Jump in, it’s not cold

Trust me, I have tested it!

Oh, wait it is cold.

T. Fluellen

Oh, and the prize! Well, I haven’t decided yet. I will probably pick two winners, and they will most likely receive books related to the fun side of English and words. I love mondegreens (misheard song lyrics), so I may just open my Amazon account and send you a couple of my favorite collections. We’ll see what happens.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editing Requests

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Good day, friends!

Today’s literary term is one I’m sure you’ve heard of, since we talk about it often here in Editor’s Corner, and that is the idiom. Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines idiom:

: an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (such as up in the air for "undecided") or in its grammatically atypical use of words (such as give way)

Idioms aren’t just a phenomenon in English. They can be found in most languages, I would suspect. They are certainly one of the hardest things to learn when you are trying to pick up a foreign language, because even if you can translate the words themselves, they mean something different as an idiom. My cousin’s boys in Greece love to teach me new Greek idioms. They enjoy me trying to puzzle out the words to translate them, then they tell me what the idiomatic phrase actually means (and I can guarantee it is usually something naughty).

Whether you are a native speaker of English or it is a second language, here are some examples of common English idioms and their meanings.

For a selection of idioms in other languages (translated to English) you can check out a few here at FluentU. Donna has also recently graced us with two good collections of English idioms from around the world:

• English Idioms, Part 1
• English Idioms, Part 2

Enjoy your day!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editor’s Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/

Welcome back, folks! Today’s literary term is one that reminds me of childhood: fable. Merriam-Webster defines a fable as:

a fictitious narrative or statement: such as

a: a legendary story of supernatural happenings

b: a narration intended to enforce a useful truth especially : one in which animals speak and act like human beings

Before I get into examples of fables, here are the details about what comprises a fable, from masterclass.com:

Fables are defined by four central essential elements.

1. Symbolism. Characters in fables are stand-ins for humans, and their misadventures are meant to symbolize human behavior.
2. Anthropomorphization. In fables, animals and even inanimate objects (like the wind, or the sun) are the main characters of the story and are given human qualities. Some animals have specific traits associated with them. For example, an owl is wise, a fox is cunning, and a lion is brave.
3. Lessons. Every fable has a moral lesson at the end that arises from the story. For example: “Slow and steady wins the race.”
4. Humor. Fables often have a humorous tone when showing the foolishness of human nature.

A fable is a short story that illustrates a moral lesson. The plot of a fable includes a simple conflict and a resolution, followed by a maxim.

Probably the most popular fables are Aesop’s fables, which many of us heard when we were kids. These tales all include the four essential elements listed above. Here is a tiny handful of Aesop’s fables and the corresponding morals (or maxims, or lessons) of each story. (In the titles, the “kids” are actually young goats, not children. Or maybe they’re children that look like goats?)

• The Frogs & the Ox: Do not attempt the impossible.

§ The Two Goats: It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.

§ The Wolf & the Kid: Do not let anything turn you from your purpose.

§ The Kid & the Wolf: Do not say anything at any time that you would not say at all times.

• The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
• The Travelers & the Purse: We cannot expect any one to share our misfortunes unless we are willing to share our good fortune also.
• The Lark & Her Young Ones: Self-help is the best help.

The Library of Congress has a huge collection of Aesop’s Fables and the associated morals. It’s worth a look, especially if you have children, kids, or both.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editor’s Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/

Good morning, everyone,

Let’s just jump right into today’s literary term: aphorism. Merriam-Webster defines it as:

: a concise statement of a principle

: a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : adage

: an ingeniously terse style of expression : aphoristic language

It’s also described by many resources as “a pithy statement” about a truth. I have never seen “pithy” as many times as I have while researching this topic. As you can see, it is also compared to an adage. The following are a few statements from Writing Explained that are labeled aphorisms, though I don’t find them particularly “pithy”:

· Actions speak louder than words.

· He who hesitates is lost.

· Easy come, easy go.

· The early bird gets the worm.

· “ ‘Tis better to have loved and lost/ than never to have loved at all.” –Alfred, Lord Tennyson

And a few more aphorisms with accompanying explanations:

· All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

This statement is used to emphasize the necessary balance between work and leisure. If all we do is work, it’s more difficult to maintain an interesting personality.

· Forgive and forget.

This statement reminds us that when we are wronged it is important to forgive the offender and move on with life.

· What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/ By any other word would smell as sweet.

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, he expresses that names are meaningless and do not predetermine a person or thing’s traits.

· Common statement: a penny saved is a penny earned.

This aphorism is used to convey the importance of frugality.

Next time, something a bit more fun: fables.

Happy spring!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editor’s Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/

Happy belated vernal equinox! Monday marked the official day, but we’re only a couple of days off, so there’s still plenty of time to celebrate.

But what is an equinox, why do people celebrate it, and what are they celebrating?

The equinox happens twice each year when the amount of daylight and nighttime are about equal in length. The first equinox (the vernal or spring equinox) occurs around March 21 (the date can vary slightly). It doesn’t only represent the first day of spring, it is symbolic of rebirth and fertility. The autumnal equinox occurs, you guessed it, at the beginning of autumn, around September 21 and it is has long been considered a time to give thanks for a plentiful harvest.

According to Dictionary.com, “…an equinox doesn’t last for a full 24 hours. Technically speaking, an equinox is one of the two specific moments in time when the sun is exactly above the celestial equator…the word equinox comes from the Latin aequinoctium, meaning ‘the time of equal days and nights,’ from equi-, meaning ‘equal,’ and nocti-, meaning ‘night.’”

The equinox has been celebrated by many different cultures for centuries. According to Parade.com, the Mayan people used to “…publicly gather on the equinox to watch the sun make shadows against the Pyramid of Kukulcan or El Castillo. The shadows are said to resemble a large, moving snake that descends down the pyramid throughout the afternoon as the sun moves.”

The vernal equinox is still celebrated as a secular holiday around the world. In Japan it has been a national holiday called Shunbun no Hi since 1948. Parade.com says, “People celebrate by cleaning their homes to signify a new start or rebirth, visiting their childhood homes, and/or visiting and cleaning off the gravesites of their beloved departed.”

In Iran, this secular holiday is known as Nowruz, or the Iranian or Persian New Year. It marks the first day of the month, known as Farvardin, on the Iranian calendar. The celebrations last 13 days, and people often celebrate by jumping over a bonfire or by lighting fireworks.

Likewise, the autumnal equinox is still celebrated in many countries. An article called The Coolest Fall Equinox Traditions from Around the Worldsays that in Lithuania, they celebrate with markets that sell products of the latest harvest. In China and Vietnam, they celebrate the abundance of the summer harvest.

These days, most people think of the vernal equinox as the beginning of spring: tulips and daffodils are blooming, the rain is falling, the weather is slowly warming up. That’s plenty to celebrate. Happy spring!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123

Pronouns she/her/hers

Symitar Documentation Services

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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Hello, dear people!

Last time, we discussed the word adage, a saying that (over time) becomes an acceptable truth. Today I’m going to continue my list of literary terms and examples. The word of the day is allegory. From Merriam-Webster, we have these definitions:

1: the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence

also: an instance (as in a story or painting) of such expression

2: a symbolic representation

Now, that sounds a little bit like an adage just reading the description. In some resources, they also compare allegories to fables and parables. The real distinction here is the mention of symbolic fictional figures and that an allegory can be part of a story or painting. Think: visual. You can see a painting and you can create visuals in your head while you are reading an allegorical story. I think two examples that help to define this word are the book Animal Farm (by George Orwell) and The Hunger Games trilogy of movies or books.

From Grammarly.com:

One of the most famous examples of allegory is Animal Farm, by George Orwell. On its surface, Animal Farm is a story about farm animals that rebel against their farmer. The underlying story, however, concerns Orwell’s disillusionment with the Bolshevik Revolution and is an indictment of the Russian government.

Similarly, there are numerous internet resources (and someone’s dissertation) on why The Hunger Games is a political allegory for the American Revolution (or French Revolution or the gladiator Spartacus uprising against the Romans). The primary message is that powerful people can do awful things, and that people must rebel to rebalance the scales.

I hope those examples help cement the concept of allegory in your noggins! I know that they did for me.

For more allegory examples and some notes on the different kinds of allegory you might find in books, movies, or songs, see SmartBlogger.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editor’s Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/