Today CNN reported on a fatal accident, calling it a "sad tragedy." What's wrong with reporters? They're supposed to be models of good English!
2007-12-18 06:46:56 · 5 answers · asked by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Many, many years ago I was taught in Journalism 101to use the least number of words possible. But this is really out in left field. A "sad tragedy" is like saying a "white polar bear." I completely agree with you. Perhaps this type of yucky English is a result of writers who are under pressure to keep the news on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week (Maybe somewhere there is a black polar bear.)
2007-12-18 07:40:08 · answer #1 · answered by hokielover01 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While I can imagine a happy accident, sad tragedy does seem redundant. Of course, the media has not been a role model for good English, or good judgement, for some decades now...
Happy Holidays
2007-12-18 06:54:30 · answer #2 · answered by tracymoo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, tragic means opposite of the expected outcome. They mis-use tragedy all of the time. Hah! models of good English! One female announcer (Cheryl Atkison) introduced a learned gentleman as Professor Am - Are - Right -Tis, instead of Em - Air - It - Tis. You give these people too much credit.
C. :)!!
2007-12-18 07:02:28 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie Kicksass 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
*giggles* things that make you go hmmmm in the middle of the night...
Seriously though, I don't think the anchor's actually write it out for the teleprompters they use, so it may not be their fault.
But its still ridicules just the same.
2007-12-18 06:55:46 · answer #4 · answered by aylatroy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's called an oxymoron.
2007-12-18 06:54:20 · answer #5 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋