THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 27, 1996 TAG: 9604270020
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
With reference to the ``child vs. kid'' debate that has lately been so passionately contested in this forum: Enough already! There are more crucial etymological wars to be waged.
For example, an even more egregious linguistic faux pas is being perpetuated by folks near and far - the use of ``calf'' when referring to the lower posterior portion of one's leg.
The heinous use of this homograph (though admittedly endorsed by a number of respected lexicographers) does a grave injustice to the baby cows who so merit the exclusive use of this label.
I propose that, hereafter, we refer to the portion of the leg in question as the ``distal posterior leg section'' in lieu of ``calf,'' thus leaving the term solely to those young livestock who so deserve to have it entirely to themselves.
(I'd expound further upon this proposal, but my kids are calling me.)
MICHELLE LACKO-HELM
Chesapeake, April 19, 1996 by CNB