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Word meanings are like stretchy pullovers, whose outline contour is visible, but whose detailed shape varies with use.
Jean Aitchison
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Jean Aitchison
Age: 86
Born: 1938
Born: July 3
Linguist
Jean Margaret Aitchison
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More quotes by Jean Aitchison
Purists behave as if there was a vintage year when language achieved a measure of excellence which we should all strive to maintain. In fact, there was never such a year. The language of Chaucer's or Shakespeare's time was no better and no worse than that of our own - just different.
Jean Aitchison