Watch those syllables

Here’s a thing. A very small thing, but a thing.

I just saw it for about the 87th time and realized what’s so annoying about it.

It’s != or |= for ≠

Here’s what so annoying about it.

What the hell is the point? Just say “doesn’t equal.” If you don’t have the actual ≠ handy then just type the words, for godsake.

I know another one like that. DFW for Dallas Ft Worth. If you’re writing or typing, by all means say DFW, but if you’re talking – well do what you want, but DFW is more syllables than Dallas Ft Worth.

I know this because Martin Amis pointed out another one in The Information – someone talking referred to the MW for microwave. Count them.

Here’s another: the BBC always says WWF, never World Wildlife Fund. Both longer and more cryptic. Stupid.

Always be careful of the W.

Also – I don’t want to point fingers, but four twenty ten is a silly way to say ninety.

This has been Sunday Advice, brought to you by the Milk Marketing Board.