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Proof that English is Crazy (video)

English is widely recognized as a language with irrational and illogical syntax, pronunciation, and structure, and every so often someone likes to prove that point by demonstrating the many contradictory rules about conjugation and pronunciation.

I came across a new video today, and I wanted to share the fun:

English is such a confusing language because it draws from many different sources. I think James Nicoll said it best:

The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don’t just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and riffle their pockets for new vocabulary.

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Eric Muller April 8, 2014 um 7:07 pm

You may also like Ed Rondthaler’s version, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTjeoQ8gRmQ

Nate Hoffelder April 8, 2014 um 7:25 pm

LOL That is new to me, thanks!


Edward Bear April 8, 2014 um 7:21 pm

Actually, H. Beam Piper put it even better in one of his novels. IIRC, "English is the outcome of Norman conquerors trying to make dates with Saxon barmaids. And it’s about is legitimate as any of the other results."


Becki April 14, 2014 um 1:50 pm

My favorite is a cartoon: "The English language was carefully, carefully cobbled together by three blind dudes and a German dictionary."
Dave Kellett, Sheldon, 02-01-09 (found on http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/40484.html)

I’d link to his cartoon with this phrase, but his site currently doesn’t have a searchable archive.

Nate Hoffelder September 10, 2015 um 3:11 pm

@ Becki

That’s a good one. Thanks!


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