Good morning! Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, which is considered by some to be an unlucky day. If you’re like me, you may be wondering why.

According to an article on the History™ website, aptly called Friday the 13th, while the number 13 is considered unlucky, the number 12 is associated with completeness: “…there are 12 days of Christmas, 12 months and zodiac signs, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, and 12 tribes of Israel, just to name a few examples…its successor 13 has a long history as a sign of bad luck.” The article points out that this superstition has been around for centuries and has its roots in the Western world and in Christianity. First mentioned is the fact that there were 13 guests at Christ’s Last Supper. In addition, the fall of the Knights Templar (a monastic military order devoted to protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land following the Christian capture of Jerusalem during the First Crusade) began on Friday, October 13, 1307.

Along with 13 being the unluckiest number, some believe that Friday may be the unluckiest day of the week, and this belief is also rooted in Christianity, as Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and Friday is believed to be the day that Adam and Eve ate the apple from the Tree of Knowledge.

The article points out that there have been attempts to remove the stigma of Friday the 13th. A New Yorker named Captain William Fowler (1827–1897) founded an exclusive society called the Thirteen Club whose members dined on the 13th day of the month in room 13 of the Knickerbocker Cottage and partook of a 13-course meal. Members of this club walked under a ladder beneath a banner reading “Morituri te Salutamus,” which is Latin for “Those of us who are about to die salute you.” Four former presidents (Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and Theodore Roosevelt) were all members at one time or another. And I might point out that they’re all dead now, so…

Anyway, since tomorrow is the 13th, I thought you might be interested in 13 synonyms for unlucky. These come to you from Thesaurus.com. You can watch the slide show by clicking the link (which also provides examples and additional information), or you can read on at your own risk.

1. hapless: unlucky; luckless; unfortunate
2. inauspicious: boding ill; ill-omened; unfavorable
3. star-crossed: ill-fated; related to the idea that one’s fate is foretold by the position of the stars
4. sinister: threatening or portending evil
5. ominous: portending evil or harm; foreboding; threatening; comes from the word omen meaning a sign or symbol of the future
6. dire: causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible
7. donsie: (Scottish) unfortunate; ill-fated; unlucky
8. withershins: (Scottish) in a direction contrary to the natural one, especially contrary to the apparent course of the sun; counterclockwise in the sense of being unlucky or causing disaster
9. unsonsy (Scottish) bringing or boding ill luck
10. evil eye: expression meaning “a look thought capable of inflicting injury or bad luck on the person at whom it is directed”
11. schlimazel: someone who has experienced more than their fair share of bad luck
12. infelicity: misfortune; bad luck
13. fey: (British English) doomed, fated to die

I have a premonition that we are all going to have a lucky day tomorrow followed by a wonderful weekend. It will be the first day of my three-week vacation—it’s a very lucky day for me!

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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Hey girlfriend,

This always stumps me when I read it in an article about someone pleading during a trial. The words “pled” and “pleaded.” Seems as if the writers always use the word “pleaded” when I think it sounds better to say “pled.” Can you help an old guy out?

Hello, my friend from the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

I’ve always found this set of words troublesome myself. Pleaded seems so clunky. We have lead/led, feed/fed, read/read, need/Ned…oh never-mind, I’m not getting anywhere with that argument. Let’s just say plead, pled, and pleaded are one of those crazy exceptions that make English the interesting language that it is.

First, a few details. From my buddies at Merriam-Webster, here’s their definition. Note that they offer both pleaded and pled as the correct past tense.

plead

plead·ed or pled ˈpled

; pleaded or pled; plead·ing; pleads

intransitive verb

1: to make a plea or conduct pleadings in a cause or proceeding in a court : present an answer or pleading in defense or prosecution of an action

2: to argue for or against a claim : urge reasons for or against a thing : entreat or appeal earnestly : beg, implore

Second, the form of the word that you use depends on where it is used. Media likes to use pleaded rather than pled, so that’s what you’ll hear on the daily news or read in your favorite crime blotter. I was surprised to read in Grammarly.com that “in the legal community, which seems to be very invested in the debate [KC – Of
pleaded vs. pled] due to the frequent use of the verb plead in legal terminology, both terms are used more or less equally.”

Third, those who follow the Associated Press Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style also prefer the longer form, so if you’re reading material from writers who use those guides, they’ll be saying that someone pleaded innocent.

Last, but not least, the use of pleaded over pled depends on where a person lives. Those in England, Australia, Wales, and Ireland like pleaded. Despite the prominence of pleaded in the American media and style guides, North Americans and the Scottish like pled.

Here are some additional words of wisdom from the folks at Grammarly.com.

…the bottom line is that pleaded is the commonly recognized past tense of plead, and pled is the form that can sometimes be used instead of it, especially within the North American and Scottish legal systems. If you have to follow a certain style guide, you work in the media, or you simply want to lay the issue to rest, you’d be better served by using pleaded.

Since I don’t mind arguing, personally I’m going with pled. I can already see the argument with my dad coming to fruition.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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

Meow, meow, meow, meow! Today is day two of kitty-cat idioms. As I mentioned with the first portion, the full list is here if you’d like to see even more.

High as the Hair on a Cat’s Back

To describe something very expensive or valuable.

Keep No More Cats Than Will Catch Mice

A way of saying that you should be efficient; be minimalistic. Use the bare minimum. An old expression that cautioned against maintaining any more people or things than can accomplish a purpose.

Let the Cat out of the Bag

To suggest that you have said something you didn’t intend to say. That a person has inadvertently revealed a secret.

Like Herding Cats

Refers to someone trying to manage multiple tasks at the same time. Often used to describe a person attempting to manage a large team of individuals, all of which are uncooperative.

Look What the Cat Dragged in

A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. Can state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion.

Morals of an Alley Cat

References the actions of a stray cat that hangs around streets and alleyways of a town or city and refers to a person of loose morals.

The Cat’s Pajamas

Refers to a person who is the best at what they do. An excellent person or thing.

To Bell a Cat

This expression refers to an impossible task. Believed to originate from the fable of a mouse who has the idea of hanging a bell around a cat’s neck to warn them of its approach.

To Have Kittens

To be very upset or worried about something. A dramatic way of describing how frightened or upset you have been.

To Put a Cat Among the Pigeons

A way of saying that someone has created an upset or a disturbance.

To Rain Cats and Dogs

This idiom refers to the fact that it is raining very heavily. A saying whose origins have been lost over the ages.

To Turn the Cat in the Pan

To reverse to an outcome or situation. Also used to refer to someone who has turned traitor.

See Which Way the Cat Jumps

A way of saying that you should wait until you see how things develop or progress before committing yourself to a course of action.

Walk Like a Cat on Eggs

Taking great care and consideration in an activity.

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/

Good morning, friends. I hope this finds you happy and healthy.

Over the last month, I’ve provided you with idioms about horses and dogs. Now it’s time to give some love to the feline phrases you might come across. I’m dividing the list into two “installments” to make them more bite-sized, and I’ve removed some of the more common ones just to save space. If you’re interested in the complete list, you can find it at Owlcation.

A Cat Burglar

Refers to a burglar who uses stealth and agility to break into buildings.

A Cat in Gloves Catches no Mice

If you are too polite or careful, you might not achieve what you want.

All Cats are Grey at Night

A way of saying that in the dark, physical attributes are unimportant.

As Conceited as a Barber’s Cat

Someone who has a high opinion of themselves or their importance.

Busier Than a One-eyed Cat Watching Two Mouse Holes

That a person is extremely busy – almost frantic.

Busier Than a Three-legged Cat in a Sandbox

Hectic to the point of being frantic.

[KC – When we discussed Southern expressions, I was told that the phrase is: “Busier than a
one-legged cat in a sandbox.” I’d say that’s pretty busy!]

Cool Cat

A phrase used to describe a fashionable person. Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger.

Cat’s Cradle

This expression refers to something overly complicated. Likened to the children’s game "cat’s cradle." A game played with a string wound around the fingers to create intricate patterns.

Cat’s Meow

Something outstanding or excellent.

Curiosity Killed The Cat

You should take care to look into something too profoundly. You might find something that disturbs you. You should not be curious; you may find something you don’t want to know. [KC – Also the name of a fun British band in the late 1980s.]

Enough to Make a Cat Laugh

Something that is very, very funny.

Fight Like Cats and Dogs

To be continually fighting or arguing with someone.

Cat Got Your Tongue?

A phrase used when referring to someone who has very little to say for themselves. The origins of this idiomatic saying remain unclear. It possibly originated from stories of witches whose cats would steal the tongue of their victims to prevent them from telling others.

Hellcat

A fiery, ill-tempered person.

Happy New Year!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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

Here we are at the end of 2022—it’s a time when many of us reflect on everything the past year has brought us. I hope it’s brought you many good things and that you have many good things to look forward to in 2023.

And while we are ruminating about events of the past year, folks at dictionaries are ruminating about the words that had a significant effect on our society in 2022. Each year, various dictionaries choose their “word of the year.” I love this tradition! The words are determined by the number of times people searched for the word online. The most searched words are the winners, and they are a window into the year we just lived.

Following is a list of some of the 2022 winners from various English dictionaries. (Thanks, Jane G, for the initial list!) I have provided information about the meanings of all the words.

The following table lists some of the runner-up words for 2022:

You knew there would be splooting pictures, right?

Happy New Year to you all. “See you” in 2023!

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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I remember when I started editing here at Jack Henry, I had a lot of questions. In fact, I did so much research, it felt like that was my job. Over the years, I don’t need Merriam-Webster or the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) quite as much, but they are still only a click away. Today’s topic is one I remember looking up, but I can’t remember if I shared this information with you.

Today’s topic is percent and percentages. I’ll cover the following:

· Which word should we use?

· Should we spell out the word or use the symbol (%)?

· What if we are talking about a range of percentages?

I’m here, and I’m ready with answers! Since we follow the CMOS in technical publications, I am providing explanations that follow the same rules.

Which word should we use?

Percent: Percent should be used when you need an adverb or an adjective. Here is an example of each:

• Adverb: Statistics show that 90 percent of the children who were juniors and seniors in high school during COVID did not feel ready for college. (In this case, percent means “out of 100.”)
• Adjective: I achieved a 50 percent increase in gray hair coverage last time I dyed my hair. (Here, 50% modifies increase.)

Percentage: Percentage is the noun form of the word.

• Noun: Nicole donates a percentage of her paychecks to the Salvation Army.

Should we spell out the word or use the symbol (%)?

According to our buddies at CMOS, the rule depends more on your audience and content than anything else. Nontechnical writing usually requires that you write out percent, for example “My dog would eat 25 percent more food if I would let her.”

Since our writers here are called “technical writers,” we assume that our content is technical in nature, and our writers use the symbol, for example, “The interest rate is up 1.5% compared to last year.” There is no space between the numbers and the symbol.

What about a range of percentages?

There are several ways to write a range of percentages:

• 20% to 30%
• 20%–30%
• Between 20% and 30%

Who knew there were so many questions about percent and percentages in everyday use? Well, now you know how to use them correctly at Jack Henry!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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

Why Do We Call the Twelfth Month of the Year December?

Those of you who are interested in etymology may already know that the word December is formed from the Latin root decem-, which means ten. So, what gives? We all know December is the twelfth month. Maybe jolly old St. Nick is playing a joke on us?

Nope. According to an article called Origins and Meanings of the 12 Months, although the Roman calendar had twelve months, they only named 10 of them because winter was considered a “dead period of time when the government and military wasn’t active.” Those crazy Romans only gave names to the months of March through December. But, even way back then, December was considered the last month of the year.

You may also be interested to know that the etymology of some of the other months is also based on numbers: September stems from the Latin root septem-, which means seven, October stems from octo-, which means eight, and November stems from novem-, which means nine).

But not all the names of the months are based on numbers. The month of August was named in honor of the emperor Augustus Caesar. Similarly, July was named after the emperor Julius Caesar, who was born in that month.

Continuing backward, June and May were named for goddesses: Maia and Juno. April is thought to stem from the Latin root aperio, meaning “to open,” alluding to opening buds in springtime. March is named for Mars, the god of war.

And finally, around 45 BCE, the months of February and January got their names. February stems from the Latin Februa, the name of a purification feast held in this month and January from the Roman god Janus.

Getting back to December, though, Old English used to refer to this month as Fra Goal or Gēolmōnað, meaning yule month. And according to How the Month of December Got Its Name, from Dictionary.com:

The early Germanic people referred to this wintry season as yuletide, a two-month period that spanned December and January. Gol means Christmas day or Christmastide (a word for the period from Christmas Eve to related feast days in early January).

Goel is related to the Old Norse jell, the name of the Pagan winter feast lasting 12 days. Many of the customs of the feast of yule influenced the ways that Christmas is celebrated, such as the tradition of burning a yule log at Christmastime. Fun fact: the word jolly may have derived from the same Old Norse root that brought us yule.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, or Festivus, happy holidays to you!

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, readers! It is day two of doggy idioms. For the full, furry list, you can click here.

If You Lie Down With Dogs, You Get Up With Fleas

Meaning: A way of issuing a warning to someone—to say that they will have to suffer the consequence if they do dangerous things.

Be Like a Dog With Two Tails

Meaning: To be very happy or to show great pleasure. It originates from the wagging of a dog’s tail as a sign of happiness.

Example: "He’s been like a dog with two tails ever since he had that big win at the races."

Three Dog Night

Meaning: To say that it is so cold that we need an extra dog for cuddling and warmth.

Puppy Dog Eyes

Meaning: A way of describing someone who uses their eyes or an appealing cute expression to try and appeal to your better nature.

Example: "Don’t you give me those puppy dog eyes—you are not getting any more ice cream. You’ve had enough already."

Bought a Pup

Meaning: A way of describing someone deceived. For example, they thought they were buying something much better than they got.

Example: "The previous owner told me that this was a genuine designer bag, but it turned out to be a cheap imitation. It looks like I bought a pup."

That Dog Won’t Hunt

Meaning: That won’t work; forget it.

Example: "I know you think that we can cross that swollen river by wading across—but it’s a strong current, and I can’t swim. That dog won’t hunt; I’m afraid we need another plan."

[KC – I have to admit, way back in my history with Jack Henry, one of you folks in the South responded to an idea I had with the phrase, “That dog won’t hunt.” I had no idea what that
meant. Why is this guy talking to me about a dog? And hunting?]

My Dogs Are Barking

Meaning: My feet hurt.

Example: "I’ve been on my feet all day, I’m weary, and to make matters worse, my dogs are barking."

Dog-Eared

Meaning: To say that something is a bit worn or well used. Often said when referring to an old book cover or magazine that has seen well thumbed through and has seen better days."

Example: "The book is a first edition copy and could be worth a lot of money. The only issue is that it’s a well-read copy, and the dust-jacket is worn and a little dog-eared."

If You Want a Friend in Washington, Get a Dog

Meaning: Friends are few and far between—if it’s a friend you need here, then you had better acquire a dog.

Hell Hound

"Hell hound" is a phrase steeped in history and fable. The most recognized use of the words is of Cerberus—Hades’ three-headed guard dog. However, the term may have originated from the Egyptians use of hounds to guard graves.

Rock Hound

Meaning: A geologist, studying the Earth’s origin, structure, and composition, is commonly known as a "rock hound."

Example: "He may only be young, but he’s becoming a real rock hound. He’s out collecting rock samples every chance he gets,"

Let the Dog See the Rabbit

[KC – I wanted more information on this, so I looked at another website for a more complete definition.
It is said to be from a Welsh saying, in reference to being fair-minded in sports. Its current definition is a bit broader than that. From
Word Histories:

The phrase to let the dog see the rabbit means to
allow someone to get on with the task that they are supposed to perform, without interference or restriction.]

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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

Last week, I explained several idioms about horses. One of you sent me a couple of web sites with a ton of other horse idioms. For you horse lovers out there, here are some additional phrases: Horse TV.

But our animal idioms don’t end there! In fact, several of you requested idioms about animals that make easier house pets than horses: cats and dogs. There are so many idioms out there, so I’m selecting a few, along with their meanings and some examples. Today, we’ll start with dogs and a smattering of entries from the website Owlcation.

Be Like a Dog With a Bone

We all know what a dog is like when it has a bone, right? They are relentless. They never stop.

Meaning: That a person is fixating on a topic.

Example: "Can’t you stop going on about wanting that new car? You are like a dog with a bone."

Tail Wagging the Dog

We all recognize an excited, happy dog by the wagging of its tail. Sometimes, the dog becomes so enthusiastic that it’s as if the dog’s back end has a life of its own.

Meaning: A phrase used to say that a small part controls the whole of something.

It can describe a situation where a recently employed person suddenly runs the business as if he owned it.

Example: "Allowing Paul to dictate the terms of the contract is like letting the tail wag the dog. He’s only been here for three months, and it’s like he is running the show."

In the Dog House

Meaning: To say that you are in trouble or not in favor. Reminiscent of a naughty dog instructed to go to the kennel as punishment for a misdemeanor.

Example: "I’m in the dog house again! I should never have forgotten our anniversary."

Every Dog Has Its Day

Meaning: that everyone will inevitably have at least one moment of glory in their lifetime.

Example: "Would you believe it! Andrew has only gone and won that promotion. I guess every dog has its day after all."

Better the Head of a Dog Than the Tail of a Lion

Meaning: It is better to be a small or low ranking group leader than be a subordinate in a higher or more prestigious group.

A Dog’s Breakfast

A reference to a dog’s meal often being a jumble of scraps.

Meaning: To indicate that a task has been performed to an appalling standard. To tell a person that they are poorly dressed. A phrase that suggests that someone is very messy.

Example: "I hope you aren’t going out dressed like that! You look like a proper dog’s breakfast."

Underdog

Meaning: To say that someone is at a disadvantage and likely to lose a contest. Said of a team that is forecast to lose against better opponents.

Example: "The Torrey Elementary School Thunder Cats have a world famous coach; every other team they play joins the game as the underdog.”

A Shaggy Dog Story

Meaning: An idiom that refers to a story that can be funny but usually ends up being ridiculously lengthy. Often utilized in the context of someone telling a joke that has a meaningless or sudden ending.

Example: "Danny is forever reciting his shaggy dog stories. They drone on for what seems like forever without hardly ever getting to the point."

Done Up Like a Dog’s Dinner

Meaning: An idiom that describes a person seemingly overdressed. The clothing usually being too fussy or silly for the occasion.

Example: "I hope you do not intend to go to the party dressed like that? For goodness sake—you look like a dog’s dinner!"

Dog Days

Meaning: An expression that refers to a period of hot sultry weather in which we feel lazy and unwilling or unable to exert ourselves. Occasionally this is also referred to as a "dog day afternoon."

A Dog and Pony Show

Meaning: To lay on an elaborate presentation with the hope of gaining approval for something such as a product. The Cambridge Dictionary defines this idiom as: "an event that is designed to impress people in order to make them buy something or invest money."

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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

Hey y’all! How goes it this lovely autumn morning?

I hope you are feeling happy and healthy and that you are ready for today’s topic: incomplete comparisons. An incomplete comparison is when—in an attempt to compare different things—part of the comparison is missing.

Example: My dog is bigger.

Your dog is bigger than what? My dog? Your neighbor’s dog? A chihuahua? A dining room table? You need that second part of the sentence to make the comparison complete.

Example: My dog is bigger than an Irish Wolfhound.

First, I highly doubt it. Second, I’ll give you some more examples below. Third, I will tell you a little secret: advertisers love incomplete comparisons because they are misleading. You might hear “Our product Tom’s Roach Killer is better!” This incomplete comparison leaves the statement irrefutable. Better than what? Well, they don’t tell you, so you can’t argue with them.

Here are some additional examples and the ways to correct the statements:

Incomplete: Our core solution is better. (Better than what?)

Complete: Our core solution is better than all of the other solutions out there.

Incomplete: John Grisham’s book The Firm is more interesting. (More interesting than what?)

Complete: John Grisham’s book The Firm is more interesting than his book The Testament.

Incomplete: Group A had twice as many test subjects. (More test subjects than whom?)

Complete: Group A had twice as many test subjects as Group B.

Incomplete: Azriel’s son is stronger. (Stronger than who or stronger than what?)

Complete: Azirel’s son is stronger than Tony’s daughter.

Complete: Azriel’s son is stronger than an Asian elephant.

Remember, if your intention is to compare two or more things but your comparison leaves people asking, “compared to what?” you may be missing the part of the sentence that provides the answer and completes the sentence grammatically.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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

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