LEND ME YOUR EAR: CONTRANYMS: MOST NOT ACCUSTOMED TO UNBENDING GRACEFULLY

Once in a while, I discover another word to add to my list of contranyms words that have opposite meanings. Recently, a sportscaster announced that a famous wrestler was "spoiling for a fight." This reminded me of the deathless adage, "To the victor belong the spoils," and I wondered why a reward for victory should be called "spoils." We use spoils in connection with food that goes bad, or children brought up with too much TLC and too little discipline.

However, the adage originated with what was known as the Spoils System in government: the practice of elected officials rewarding supporters with appointments to public office. It was first used by Thomas Jefferson, and continues to this day despite legislation outlawing such rewards. But if a wrestler is "spoiling for a fight," it means he can't wait to deal a knockout blow to a contender. The idea is positive in his view, even if negative in ours.

Some time ago, Professor Don Higginbotham of Chapel Hill suggested a column devoted to changes in the meaning of words that have contributed to major historical errors. As an example, he cited the word "party", once the object of controversy between historians and Dr. Johnson. Historians suspected that a conspiracy was afoot to replace George Washington in Congress because of "parties" hostile to him. Dr. Johnson denied that an organized group was responsible, defining the term as an antagonism limited to individuals.

This usage, Higginbotham tells his students, comes last in dictionary lists of definitions, though we sometimes revert to Johnson's denotation when we say, "I won't be a party to that."

As I have stated in earlier columns, language experts strongly oppose defining a person as a "party." With this let us bid adieu to history and say, "Party on!"

Another word with opposite meanings is "unbend." As a verb, to be "unbending" means to become less stiff, to relax, as we are expected to do at informal parties (sic!). As an adjective, it means stiffening, unyielding. Webster's Dictionary of English Usage presents an excellent example that illustrates my belated observation: "He was an unbending man who refused to unbend."

Perhaps this comes close to describing the author of these columns, though with some reservations. I just don't unbend gracefully when it comes to approving second choices in usage and pronunciation. Though dictionaries permit alternates in many instances, in my book the correct pronunciation of "inquiry" is inKWYri, not INkwiri. I cannot allow anyone to have their way. And I'm resolute about the correct placement of "only." Need I explain that these are mere examples among a host of others?

However, I no longer offer corrections to anyone unless requests are made, or I'm certain my help will be appreciated. Tom Schlafly, a language expert who works for SPELL (the Society for the Preservation of the English Language), sends Goof Cards to whoever commits sins against usage. His explications are not always welcome, but he has found that his most gracious respondents are scholars of note and prestigious magazines. I too have learned the hard way that only the pretentious resent constructive criticism.

Some weeks ago, I referred to our pastor's creation of the word "devilution", which he had used to denounce the theory of evolution. In a succeeding column, I explained that though the dictionary term "devolution" sounds the same and denotes degeneration, I was sure Pastor Dissen was making a play on words and intended to put the devil in the spelling. When my follow-up appeared, our pastor called to assure me I was correct in my assumption, adding that it wouldn't be amiss for me to verify this in a future column.

So seldom are language columnists applauded for being on target, I can't resist sharing my joy when a man of God suggests my making it public.