I’m currently reading The Duke and I and the author is constantly using the word “acerbic”. I had never heard of the word before now and had to google the definition. The word has shown up so much that I’m tempted to go through the book and count its appearances lol.

Have you noticed any authors having favorite words that they use page after page?

  • Duncemonkie@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’ve also noticed this with “brisk” and “curt” smiles. From context, I think the authors mean “brief” or “quick” and don’t understand that both words carry a tone that shades from business-like (vs friendly) to bordering on rude. Super annoying.

    • terriaminute@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Ah, yes, the hazard of an uninvestigated synonym. Solved by a bit if dictionary time, if only they’d use one.