(no subject)

[rispacooper]

Dear Flist,

When reading, would you rather read "bologna"--the proper spelling of the lunch meat, or, "baloney" the more phonetically correct and more entertaining word?

Not a matter of life and death, but important nonetheless.

Thank you ever so much.

Ris

Comments

[utterfrivolity.livejournal.com]

Are you actually talking about the meat? If so, then definitely "bologna". If not, then definitely "baloney". I honestly read them as totally different words; I'd be confused to see one in the place of the other. I think I may even pronounce the words slightly differently, although I can't quite figure out how...maybe I put extra emphasis on the second syllable in "baloney"? Hmmm...

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

In this instance it would be mean both. So I'm confused.

I mean, I guess...proper spelling...? But you're right, we do somehow pronounce it differently when we're calling "bullshit" on something.

[utterfrivolity.livejournal.com]

The person saying it means both things at the same time? Hmmm...that is tough. I don't know which makes it easier to get the bologna/baloney joke. If someone's pointing at meat while saying it, maybe "baloney" would make it easier? But if there's no physical reference, then maybe "bologna"?

Wow, sometimes spelling just sucks.

?????

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

“He was convinced of her innocence…” Hornstock’s back is a straight line, and he’s staring hard across the desk. Carlton’s eyebrow twitches as he holds his gaze.

“Baloney.”

“Excuse me?” Hornstock actually sputters a little and Carlton inclines his head toward what’s left of the sandwich. Hornstock tears his eyes away and blinks as though just remembering that Carlton interrupted his lunch. He inhales sharply and shakes his head.

Re: ?????

[utterfrivolity.livejournal.com]

Definitely "baloney". I'm not 100% sure of the POV from this snippet, but I don't think it matters because there's no one in this scenario who was thinking/hearing "bologna" when he said it, right? Carlton's calling bullshit under the cover of the sandwich? And then everyone listening hears "baloney" until he looks at the sandiwch?

Re: ?????

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

Ah that's an excellent way of thinking about it. What they are hearing...

yes yes.

[kenazfiction.livejournal.com]

Bologna if you're talking about the lunch meat, baloney if you're talking about bullshit.

If it's a play on words, I'd go with 'baloney,' though I'm not sure I can explain why, except that the joke would be more obvious to me if you referenced baloney instead of bologna.

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

You know what I love about my Flist? That we take matters of grammar and diction, even gross lunchmeat-related matters, so very seriously.

:)

thanks.