“and/or” there has got to be a better way?

[eberntson]

I was wondering about conjunctions the other day; then I thought about the fact that there seems to be a word for everything in English, so I came up with this question.

If there is a word for everything in English, why is there no conjunction that is the equivalent of “and/or?” If there is such a word why is not in common use? Are there words in French, German, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Greek, and/or other languages that have a word that means the same thing?

I have always been impressed with the French and their ability to work in the Cartesian frame (++, --, +-, -+) of thought, they must have a way of expressing the "and/or" point of view.

[Garzo]

OK

Deirdre decided to have chips with vinegar and/or mayonaise.

Deidre decided to have chips with either vinegar or mayonaise, or both.

Make it three options -- that's logically what such sentence is trying to cram into two components.

-- Garzo.

[Kris]

and/or is not a conjunction. the two words are joined only by a slash. it's easier for many to say and/or to avoid perhaps droning or specifics. it's the American way. it's faster!

Fast Food Language.

[M. Henri Day]

... it's the American way. it's faster!

It goes faster still in Swedish, where we write «o/e» for «och/eller». Superb Swedish engineering ?...

Henri

[Kris]

... it's the American way. it's faster!


It goes faster still in Swedish, where we write «o/e» for «och/eller». Superb Swedish engineering ?...

Henri

However, the Swedish text is an abbreviation, is this correct? If it means and/or then the Swedes are faster.

Kris

[Brazilian dude]

What about Spanish y/o, Italian e/o, and French et/ou? Those are not abbreviations.

Brazilian dude

[Kris]

What about Spanish y/o, Italian e/o, and French et/ou? Those are not abbreviations.

Brazilian dude
_________________

I added a thought to the original post. It had to do with the English language and there not being a conjunction for and/or.

I think maybe we strayed from the original post.

An American Mutt

[KatyBr]

Kris, you may post on topic if you wish.

Kt
(and I like your idea~~ McEnglish!)

[Brazilian dude]

I think maybe we strayed from the original post.

This isn't the first and won't be the last time this has happened.

Brazilian dude

[M. Henri Day]

The meandering nature of our discussions is the secret of their not inconsiderable charm....

Henri

[Brazilian dude]

Well put, Mr. H.

Brazilian dude

[Kris]

The meandering nature of our discussions is the secret of their not inconsiderable charm....

Henri


Very nicely put Henri. I have a tendency to babble. It's nice to know that a board is available in which to do so.

Kris*

[Brazilian dude]

Kris*

Is there a typo in your signature? It's hard to imagine, but whenever I write Brazilian, I write Brazilain and have to go back and correct it. Good thing I never do that with my real name.

Lusiano Eduardo de Oliveira

[KatyBr]

Kris*, I'm glad you haven't come here trying to force us famous off-topic-ers to reform our errant ways.

Kt
we have had some try just that.

[Brazilian dude]

Kt
we have had some try just that.

And we are quite proficient at sending them packing.

Brazilian dude