Good morning, and happy holidays!

If we’re lucky, we’ll have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends this holiday season. You might even be invited to someone else’s home, and if you are so fortunate, you might want to take a bottle of wine. But if you’re like me, someone who enjoys an occasional glass of wine, but who cannot really tell much difference between the taste of Charles Shaw ($2.00 to $3.00 per bottle) and Domaine Romanée-Conti ($19,700–$551, 314)—not that I’ve ever had it—you might also want to know how to pronounce the name of the kind of wine you take with you.

So, here’s a short primer on how to sound like a wine expert. Let’s start with the name of the person who actually is an expert on fine wine:

• sommelier (sawm-uh-l-YAY)

And now for the wines themselves. Following are seventeen types of wine and a pronunciation guide. Join me in at least sounding like I know what I’m drinking. Happy holidays!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432

Pronouns she/her/hers

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, everybody!

As I prepared to write about a few more diacritical marks today, I lined up my topics: cedilla and circumflex. I was excited because I was going to rhyme cedilla with the city Sevilla, where I went to school for a short while. Well, guess what? Cedilla rhymes with chinchilla! Now the song I was going to write about the cedilla in Sevilla has to be scrapped!

Most of today’s information is from an article on the Merriam-Webster web page, What is a diacritic anyway? We’ll look at two more marks, where they’re from, and what they mean.

Cedilla

The cedilla is the diacritical mark ( ̧ ) that is placed under the letter “c,” as in the spelling of the French words façade and garçon, to indicate that the letter is to be pronounced s, rather than k. Cedilla is from the name of the obsolete Spanish letter “ç” and is a diminutive form of ceda, itself from zeda, which once denoted the letter “z.”

Circumflex

Now this next one might be a little more confusing. First, I’ll provide M-W’s definition of this symbol.

Circumflex most commonly refers to the mark ( ˆ ), but in ancient times it designated other "bent" marks ( ⌢ or ˜ ). The name derives from a Latin verb meaning "to bend around," and it is used for the symbol placed above a long vowel to indicate a rising-falling tone in Greek and to mark length, contraction, or another particular pronunciation of a vowel in other languages, such as French—for example, the pronunciations of château (castle), crêpe, and maître d’ (master of).

KC – A side note here for you language-lovers. I was taught that in French, this mark meant the letter with the circumflex used to have an “S” before it. So, château was chasel in old French, castle in English; crêpe was crespe, which meant “wrinkled pancake” in olden days; and maître was maistre, or master in English. When you see a word in French with the circumflex, try the “S” trick. It might help you remember what the word means in English!

And I’m sure many of you are asking, “Isn’t that also called a caret?” This is where the trickiness comes into play. The caret and the circumflex accent are very similar looking, but they have different uses. A true caret is used in proofreading and editing (when you’re doing it by hand with a red pencil). It is used (and sometimes broadened) to indicate additional material needs to be added to the text at that point.

According to Wikipedia, “there is a similar mark, ^, that has a variety of uses in programming, mathematics, and other contexts. The symbol was included in typewriters and computer printers so that circumflex accents could be overprinted on letters (as in ô or ŵ). The character became reused in computer languages for many other purposes, and over time its appearance was enlarged and lowered, making it unusable as an accent mark.”

They go on to say that it is sometimes called a caret, but the true caret is the one used for proofreading. I think you’ll be forgiven if you forget to call it a circumflex, though.

Cedilla the chinchilla

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

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

When I read Grammar Girl’s article about Caesar and that famous phrase “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) I definitely did not expect to end up at today’s destination: title, tilde, and tittle. That’s the fun thing about English and traveling—you never know where exploration will lead you!

The article mentioned that Caesar annihilated King Pharnaces and his army in four hours. The words “Veni, vidi, vici” were inscribed on a large placard carried at the front of Caesar’s victory parade when he returned to Rome. This placard was called a titulus. And here is where my journey began.

I started with titulus and looked for a definition. In Wikipedia, I found this:

Titulus

The Latin word for "title", "label" or "inscription" (plural tituli)

A term used for the labels or captions naming figures or subjects in art, which were commonly added in classical and medieval art, and remain conventional in Eastern Orthodox icons. In particular the term describes the conventional inscriptions on stone that listed the honors of an individual or that identified boundaries in the Roman Empire. A titulus pictus is a merchant’s mark or other commercial inscription.

A sign bearing the condemned person’s name and crime, attached to the top of the cross. [KC – Probably the most famous of these was the
Titulus Crucis, the piece of wood that read Iesus
Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum ("Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews"), shortened to INRI.]

Here is an example of a titulus:

The next three words are all derived from the word titulus. These are their etymologies from the Online Etymology dictionary. They might be a little tough to read, but I think they give you a good history of where the words came from and how they changed here and there over the years. (I shortened them a little so as not to scare you away.)

title (n.)

c. 1300, "inscription, heading," from Old French title "title or chapter of a book; position; legal permit", and in part from Old English titul, both from Latin titulus "inscription, label, ticket, placard, heading; honorable appellation, title of honor," of unknown origin.

tilde (n.)

1864, from Spanish, metathesis of Catalan title, from vernacular form of Medieval Latin titulus "stroke over an abridged word to indicate missing letters," a specialized sense of Latin titulus, literally "inscription, heading". The mark itself represents an -n- and was used in Medieval Latin manuscripts in an abridged word over a preceding letter to indicate a missing -n- and save space.

tittle (n.)

"Small stroke or point in writing," late 14c., translating Latin apex in Late Latin sense of "accent mark over a vowel," which itself translates Greek keraia (literally "a little horn"), used by the Greek grammarians of the accents and diacritical points, in this case a Biblical translation of Hebrew qots, literally "thorn, prick," used of the little lines and projections by which the Hebrew letters of similar form differ from one another.

(This is borrowed) …from a specialized sense of Latin titulus, which was used in Medieval Latin (and in Middle English and Old French) to indicate "a stroke over an abridged word to indicate letters missing" (and compare Provençal titule "the dot over -i-").

Compare tilde, which is the Spanish form of the same word.

And there’s where I ended up with these words. I hope you find the etymological tale they told as interesting as I did!

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

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

Good morning!

I don’t want to rattle you too much first thing in the morning, but I heard this the other day: “My spouse and I’s favorite TV show is Yellowstone. (OK, maybe the TV show wasn’t Yellowstone; It could have been The Bachelor. I don’t know. I was so surprised by the grammar that my brain froze.)

But I understand the issue. It can be difficult to know how to show possession when more than one person is doing the possessing (we call that joint possession—and no, it’s not the kind of joint possession that Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson are famous for).

In the case I mentioned, the speaker and the speaker’s spouse both claim Yellowstone as their favorite TV show. The rule is: “If two people possess the same item, put the apostrophe + s after the second name only.”

Following is an example of how to correctly show joint possession when two people own the same house:

• My aunt and uncle’s house is in Kingsbridge.

However, the rule changes if they own separate houses. Then, you follow this rule: “In cases of separate rather than joint ownership, use the possessive form for both: aunt’s and uncle’s."

• My aunt’s and uncle’s houses are in Kingsbridge.

So, back to the couple’s favorite TV show. How should the person have communicated that Yellowstone was both her and her spouse’s favorite TV show? Well, she could have said this:

• My and my spouse’s favorite show is Yellowstone.

But to be honest, I wouldn’t write or say it that way either. It may be technically correct, but it’s as awkward as heck. In situations like this, when a sentence is correct but odd, or when you just don’t know if it’s correct, it’s best to revise it all together. In this instance, I’d write or say something like “Both my spouse and I think Yellowstone is the best show on TV.”

And now I’ll say adieu. Have a lovely day.

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432

Pronouns she/her/hers

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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Welcome to the second round of Weak Phrases!

To present ideas with confidence, you should avoid using these weak phrases. Alternatives and explanations are included in the following table.

If you are interested in joining the women’s BIG (everyone is welcome), check us out here. We have talked specifically about weak language in Common Grounds, a virtual space that is safe, free of judgement, and not recorded. Since we don’t record the discussions, you’ll just have to join us here for the next topic if you are interested. (Career Growth: Are There Unique Challenges for Women? Again, all employees are welcome.)

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

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

Recently, in the WomenAtJackHenry BIG, we discussed words and phrases that we want to use less because they weaken our communication. Saying words like “sorry” out of habit, when you aren’t apologizing for something you did, or using the word “just” when speaking or writing, can take all the pizazz out of your point. I usually hear these discussions centered around women in business, but this article about Weak Phrases is for everyone.

Today we’ll look at the first five phrases, and next time I’ll share the other six items with you. I’ve done a little editing for the sake of space and time.

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

619-542-6773 | Ext: 766773

Editing: Symitar Documentation Services

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

NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any files transmitted with it are intended
exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The message,
together with any attachment, may contain confidential and/or privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, printing, saving, copying, disclosure or distribution
is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please
immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete all copies.

Recently, in the WomenAtJackHenry BIG, we discussed words and phrases that we want to use less because they weaken our communication. Saying words like “sorry” out of habit, when you aren’t apologizing for something you did, or using the word “just” when speaking or writing, can take all the pizazz out of your point. I usually hear these discussions centered around women in business, but this article about Weak Phrases is for everyone.

Today we’ll look at the first five phrases, and next time I’ll share the other six items with you. I’ve done a little editing for the sake of space and time.

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

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

I just returned from a very quick visit to the Pacific Northwest, to spend some time with my dad and brother. It was a whirlwind, but I got in a great hike in the Cascade mountains one day and spent a lot of time chatting with the Church men. One morning, I walked into the living room, and I heard the guys talking about flashing.

“What the heck are you talking about? I leave for a second and you’re talking about flashing? Dad, you’re 80 years old!”

“Sorry, kiddo,” my dad replied. “We’re talking about houses and building materials.” My architect father and metalsmith brother were discussing the failures of certain metals and woods when combined with each other. Specifically, they were talking about protecting windows, roofs, and doors with new flashing. After hearing the word flashing 10 times, I finally asked them to explain what, exactly, they were talking about.

In basic terms, flashing is a material used around windows, doors, etc., to prevent water from leaking in, a particularly important consideration when three-quarters of your year is living in rain or drizzle. A more thorough definition from Wikipedia for flashing (unrelated to creepy people wearing long trench coats) is:

Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier system. In modern buildings, flashing is intended to decrease water penetration at objects such as chimneys, vent pipes, walls, windows and door openings to make buildings more durable and to reduce indoor mold problems. Metal flashing materials include lead, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, and other materials.

There are over a dozen different types of flashing for the home, for example:

Roof flashing

Placed around discontinuities or objects which protrude from the roof of a building to deflect water away from seams or joints and in valleys where the runoff is concentrated.

Clay tile roof flashing/channel flashing

Channel flashing

Shaped like a “U” or channel to catch water (e.g., where the edge of a tile roof meets a wall).

Channel flashing (wall, flashing, roof, gutter)

Cap flashing (drip cap)

Often used above windows and doors.

Window and screen cap flashing

Chimney flashing

A general term for flashing a chimney.

Chimney flashing

Valley flashing

In the valley of two intersecting roof planes.

Valley flashing on roof

If you are thinking about flashing, the internet can provide a lot of information on how to do it. I’d stick with the home improvement sites to be safe! For other types of flashing, see the Wikipedia site.

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

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

This weeks emails from the Wordsmith have been about counterpart words, such as bass/treble, AC/DC, and in this case materteral and avuncular. The definitions and the etymologies are interesting, and as an aunt, I had to love materteral, even though I cant pronounce it. Here are the descriptions from the Wordsmith.

materteral

Pronunciation:

(muh-TUHR-tuhr-uhl)

Meaning:

adjective: Characteristic of, or in the manner of, an aunt.

Etymology:

From Latin matertera (maternal aunt), from mater– (mother). Ultimately from the Indo-European root mater (mother), which also gave us mother, material, matter, matrix, [KC Okay, more on this below, because I had to know the connection between mother and
matrix.] and matrimony. Earliest documented use: 1823.

Notes:

This word is the feminine counterpart of the word avuncular (like an uncle). Materteral has its origin in the maternal aunt, but now its applied to aunts on both sides, just as the word aunt originally meant paternal aunt, from Latin amita (fathers sister), from amare (to love), but now applies to aunts of all kinds (including an ants aunt).

avuncular

Pronunciation:

(uh-VUNG-kyuh-luhr)

Meaning:

adjective: In the manner of an uncle, in benevolence, affection, or good humor.

Etymology:

From Latin avunculus (maternal uncle), diminutive of avus (grandfather). Ultimately from the Indo-European root awo– (an adult male relative), which is also the source of atavism, uncle, and ayah.

Notes:

Originally the term referred to a mother’s brother, from avunculus meaning maternal uncle (paternal uncle was patruus). What’s fascinating is how it describes an uncle: avunculus, meaning a little grandfather. The word uncle is slang for a pawnbroker, so the word avuncular could also mean like a pawnbroker.

Okay, and now for the connection between mother and matrix, from my favorite people at the Online Etymology Dictionary:

matrix (n.)

late 14c., matris, matrice, "uterus, womb," from Old French matrice "womb, uterus" and directly from Latin mtrix "pregnant animal," in Late Latin "womb," also "source, origin," from mter "mother".)

The many figurative and technical senses are from the notion of "that which encloses or gives origin to" something. The general sense of "place or medium where something is developed" is recorded by 1550s; meaning "mould in which something is cast or shaped" is by 1620s; sense of "embedding or enclosing mass" is by 1640s

And in 1999, a whole new definition for The Matrix was given to us from Neo and his buddies.

Now its time to go impress the nieces with my loving, materteral instincts, and pie-making abilities.

Kara Church

Pronouns: she/her

Technical Editor, Advisory

Editors Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/

The holidays are coming up fast, and food is on everyone’s minds. Now that we’re starting to eat out again, or starting to think about it, I thought I’d share a list of words you might be saying wrong when you place your order.

I have visions of harried servers blowing off steam by making fun of my mispronunciations—is it just me? My husband doesn’t seem to care at all if he accidentally gets it wrong, and people find him charming. He works with a lot of Latinx folks, and they get a kick out of the way he says Spanish words with a Cockney London accent.

For those of us who are not as charming or as wildly confident, here’s a list of words along with their proper pronunciation and a brief explanation of what they actually are.

Now I’m hungry. Time for lunch!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432

Pronouns she/her/hers

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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