Disney CMs calling guests " Friends"?

[Tom P.]

Great point! There is no one universally accepted standard.

As for the Oxford Comma, it is used in British English (I believe it gets its name from the Oxford University Press), but you’re right that it’s more widely encountered on this side of the Atlantic.

Those who do not use the Oxford comma are simply wrong. In fact, one might say that those people are incorrect, wrong, and mistaken.

 

[Beacon Joe]

The proper response to any park employee calling you friend is, "I ain't your friend, pal."

 

[Californian Elitist]

It’s “theatre” (along with “centre”, “metre”, “litre”, etc.).

I actually had no clue the other words were spelled like that. I had a feeling that “theater” was, but not the others. Very interesting, I learned something new today.

 

[LittleBuford]

I actually had no clue the other words were spelled like that. I had a feeling that “theater” was, but not the others. Very interesting, I learned something new today.

Though not “meter” in the sense of “parking meter”—just to confuse matters!

 

[LittleBuford]

Those who do not use the Oxford comma are simply wrong. In fact, one might say that those people are incorrect, wrong, and mistaken.

I always use it, but it’s a perfectly valid choice not to!

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

I definitely get where you’re coming from. I believe one of the reasons linguists say Standard English doesn’t actually exist is because what’s considered “Standard English” may not be the same amongst all the Englishes in the world. So not only does it evolve and is ever-changing, but it’s different, depending on the country. For example, in American English, we don’t use “whilst.” Also, from what I understand, the Oxford Comma is mostly an American thing and isn’t common in Great Britain (I could be wrong about this).

It should perhaps follow that different regions also differ somewhat in usage and associations.

When I jumped into this thread, princesss was being discussed. A country with queens, princesses and royal titles is bound to see royal titles a little differently than a country that does not have any royal titles.

We do have style guides, and I think that is what most people mean when they say standard English, but even the style guides change. Just recently, newspapers have made important updates. The words White and Black are now capitalized, for example. I don't know if other countries follow the same practice, or maybe they have done so for many years. I'm not sure.

 

[Tom P.]

I always use it, but it’s a perfectly valid choice not to!

Nope. This is the hill I will die on. Not using the Oxford comma is an invalid choice. It does not deserve tolerance, respect, or acceptance. There is no living your truth when it comes to the Oxford comma. Those who do not use it should be shamed publicly.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I’m sure most people who speak English understand that words have different uses and meanings. I cited this definition because it seemed like the one you couldn’t imagine.

This just made me realise how often people I don't know call me "amigo" when in Mexico. I guess at least in Mexican Spanish, "friend" is already a pretty standard polite greeting both for individuals and groups. I quite like it, more than the usual alternative of "güero", anyway!

As for the Oxford Comma, it is used in British English (I believe it gets its name from the Oxford University Press), but you’re right that it’s more widely encountered on this side of the Atlantic.

Those who do not use the Oxford comma are simply wrong. In fact, one might say that those people are incorrect, wrong, and mistaken.

I feel I have an irrational love for the Oxford comma, even though it's not commonly used in my native Australia. It just makes so much sense!

 

[mkt]

It’s “theatre” (along with “centre”, “metre”, “litre”, etc.).

Ain't that some shti.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The problem is people in todays society being offended by anything they can find to be offended by even when there is absolutely NO ill will meant by it and company’s like Disney caving into some of this lunacy…

Or the problem is people not liking a company changing a term so the employees don’t mis-gender people which can be awkward and embarrassing for both CM’s and guests.

Also… I remember this starting well before covid… so it’s not like it’s something new.

 

[MisterPenguin]

The proper response to any park employee calling you friend is, "I ain't your friend, pal."

I'm not your pal, guy.

 

[LittleBuford]

so we are daily treated to one manufactured drama after another.

As this thread well attests!

 

[UNCgolf]

I feel I have an irrational love for the Oxford comma, even though it's not commonly used in my native Australia. It just makes so much sense!

The Oxford comma is almost a requirement in legal writing, at least in the US.

It's not officially required, of course, but lawsuits have been won/lost on the Oxford comma (or lack thereof). Not using it can cause ambiguity in contractual terms, which becomes a serious problem if the terms end up in dispute.

 

[JoeCamel]

The Oxford comma is almost a requirement in legal writing, at least in the US.

It's not officially required, of course, but lawsuits have been won/lost on the Oxford comma (or lack thereof). Not using it can cause ambiguity in contractual terms, which becomes a serious problem if the terms end up in dispute.

I'm comma-ically challenged, I never know it's proper usage

 

[mkt]

Good night friends!

 

[Tom P.]

The Oxford comma is almost a requirement in legal writing, at least in the US.

It's not officially required, of course, but lawsuits have been won/lost on the Oxford comma (or lack thereof). Not using it can cause ambiguity in contractual terms, which becomes a serious problem if the terms end up in dispute.

It can cause ambiguity and confusion in more than just legal writing.

A pretty standard example is these two types of sentences:

1. I had dinner with my parents, Lady Gaga and Mickey Mouse.

2. I had dinner with my parents, Lady Gaga, and Mickey Mouse.

In the first example, it could be read that Mickey Mouse and Lady Gaga are his parents. But in the second example, it is clearly a list of people. The Oxford comma eliminates the ambiguity.

 

[Chi84]

In the first example, it could be read that Mickey Mouse and Lady Gaga are his parents.

By whom? (Just kidding, backing out now )

 

[mkt]

Good morning friends!

And yes, I fully intend on becoming the annoying person in the group chat until this thread dies.

 

[Chi84]

Good morning friends!

And yes, I fully intend on becoming the annoying person in the group chat until this thread dies.

Becoming?