Information Research Weblog

Whilst the examples you give demonstrate that the word "solution" is being
"devalued" (or broadened, depending on one's perspective), I disagree that
this is a bad thing.

In each case I believe I understand what they were meaning. It may be
unfortunate that this trend will cause "solution" to lose its more specific
meaning, but such things continually happen in languages. I think effort is
better expending in noting such things (as it's near impossible to stop) and
concentrating on language that obscures meaning. (Perhaps you think this is
one of those, and I welcome you pointing out how you see same.)

By the way, I'm a big fan of Michael Quinion, not least because of his
balance (well, I think it is) regarding "correct usage", and from memory I
have you to thank for pointing out the existence of his site.

Grahame Gould
Information Co-ordinator
Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
Kununurra, WA, Australia
Web: www.thelastfrontier.com.au

This email may contain confidential information. If you are not the
intended recipient, please contact the sender.
The views expressed in this email may or may not be the official position of
the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Wilson [mailto:t.d.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk]
Sent: Friday, 21 January 2005 7:40 PM
To: irweblog.irweblog
Subject: IR-WEBLOG Word abuse

Msg URL: http://www.free-conversant.com/irweblog/492
--------------------------------------

Private Eye for 7th January had a nice set of examples of the way
'solutions' is used as a padding word - totally devoid of meaning but
implying that something significant is involved:


'Lowepro Vision: Carrying solutions for the imagining world' - camera bags
'Cell Pack Solutions' - batteries
'Sustainable Drainage Solutions' - drains
'BT voice solutions' - phone lines
'Total document solutions' - paper and ink for computer printers
'Featherweight solutions for dark places' - torches
'Magnet Kitchens' Smart Space Solutions' - cupboards
'Pirtek Fluid Transfer Solutions' - hoses
'The TMK Motorized impeller, another Air Moving Solution - fan


Remember this, if you ever feel impelled to use the word, other than in
contexts such as, 'The solution to the problem was...'

--------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe from this list visit:
http://www.free-conversant.com/irweblog/members/settings/preferences$convers
ation=irweblog&plugin=Email%20Interface