As Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”
In the hum of daily speech, people may misunderstand a phrase without realizing that they have misunderstood it. Then they prance merrily through life, saying and writing things like “in the mist of change” instead of “in the midst of change” and “windshield factor” instead of “wind chill factor.”
Lest you take the Walk of Shame engendered by the misuse of a common idiom, I present a few commonly butchered phrases.
Pass mustard vs. Pass muster (or cut the mustard)
Pass muster is a military term that refers to successfully passing a rigorous inspection. In the 15th century, troops were mustered; they then had to pass a military review, which was referred to as passing muster. Pass mustard happens at barbecues.
Cutting the mustard means performing in a satisfactory manner or meeting expectations. In the late 19th century, mustard was considered to enhance flavor; to cut meant to achieve. Thus, not cutting the mustard meant that you couldn’t achieve the real thing.
“I wanted to hire someone who would cut the mustard, but the person they sent me didn’t pass muster. Pass the mustard, please.”
Would of vs. would have
This one is easy: the phrase would of does not exist in correct English. So when people mutilate the language this way, they are trying to say would have.
“If I had known you were coming, I would have baked scones.”
Partnership tract vs. partnership track
This mistake stems from the more extensive confusion about track and tract. A track is a well-worn path; a tract is an expense of land or water or a fund-raising pamphlet. The partnership track is a path that others have trudged before you. Unless perhaps you are referring to a housing development in which all your firm’s partners co-reside.
Peak someone’s interest vs. pique someone’s interest or (heaven help me!) peek someone’s interest
A peak is a pinnacle or zenith, as in a mountain peak.
To peek means to glance quickly or furtively.
As a verb, to pique means to excite or offend. As a noun, pique indicates annoyance or displeasure. I always remember the meaning because pique reminds me of the English word poke. So when someone piques my interest, it’s like they have poked me.
“He was trying to pique my interest in his mountaineering expedition, but I don’t even want to peek at that peak.”
The 800-pound gorilla vs. the elephant in the room vs. the 800-pound gorilla in the room
The 800-pound gorilla is the undisputed leader in its field, the one that everyone else is trying to beat. It originates from an old joke:
“Where does an 800-pound gorilla sit?”
“Wherever it wants to.”
Coke is the 800-pound gorilla in the soft-drink market.
The elephant in the room is the obvious topic that no one wishes to discuss because it will make someone uncomfortable. The term dates from a story by a 17th-century Russian poet; Dostoevsky also used similar terms.
I’m not sure what the 800-pound gorilla in the room refers to. People get the idea of something big in a room and run with the image. At any rate, it’s a mixed metaphor.
“I know it’s the elephant in the room — none of us wants to admit that we’re going up against the 800-pound gorilla.”
The lesson from these clarifications is this: Only use words and phrases when you are sure you are using them correctly. In the age of Google, there’s no excuse for not quickly checking to ensure that you are using a phrase right.
If you kind of know what it means and decide to run with your mistaken idiom, you might not pass muster. Don’t let your mistakes become the elephant in the room!
To see Elizabeth Danziger’s recent columns on Inc.com:
Aristotle’s Advice to Marketers
Three Ways to Write Stronger Sentences
Take me to your leader! Communication woes drain the lifeblood from an organization. Connect me with your decision-makers and see how Worktalk can transform communication in your world. Contact me at lizd@worktalk.com or 310.396.8303.
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