Probably convention. For example, we could use a good short word for sexual intercourse. The available words don't work well for a loving mating. Mating itself sounds clinical as does intercourse. Likewise for defecation and excrement. The available words sound either pedantic or crude. No idea why....

fortunately, i seldom write much without a spell checker checking me!

Many words end in ant or ance. Just as many end in ent or ence. I now rely on the spell checker to scream if I get it wrong. Does anyone know whether there's a rule or principle involved here, or is it merely happenstance? (come to think of it, happenstance might be a good word.)

Sorry, but it still sounds motivated by political correctness. Whether noncompliance or nonadherence, you're still dead. Absolute neutrality might be "you're not following..." But the doc and other people DO have authority coming from training and experience. What's wrong with passing mild...

I've also heard it in less serious situations:"Shh, this next card in my house of cards is a bit dicey to install."

Dicey has always seemed to me to have the risky meaning skewed toward failing. Combat pilots get into dicey situations where they may be shot down. Spies find it a bit dicey when their cover may get blown. I'm not positive it's always spelled with the e. Haven't you encounted dicy?

Never noticed here, but glad things are cool now.

Aren't all words made up for one purpose or another? The Germans do it all the time, jamming words against one another. Oh - thanx for the spelling.

I have recently noticed the Daily Words have often included wild obscurities, which is fine with me. Such words help eschew obfuscation and drives off the antisusquipidalians. (Not positive of the spelling, since my spell checker flags it and suggests "submarines" instead.) Perhaps an e be...

I think it's the food. Now someone will have to find out what actually goes into the things. I don't think we want to know.

Perhaps 13 on House or the gal on Burn Notice. Whoops! We better quit...not sure this is still an intellectual discussion.

Just wanted to warn everyone that AA has competition! HLN just flashed on my screen that the CA legislature was now defining "hot dog."

Luke - i got it and replied.

Luke, did you get my pm?

Fascinating!