David Astle
David Astle is the crossword compiler and Wordplay columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is a broadcaster on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Opinion
WordPlay
‘Omnishambles’ caught our attention but its origin might surprise you
Justice Lee’s Lehrmann judgment – and, perhaps, his TV diet – issued a new word into the public’s consciousness.
- by David Astle
Latest
Opinion
WordPlay
Taylor Swift’s poetic licence: why all the fuss around her new album title?
Grammar pedants have been swift to judge, but pop often plays loose with punctuation.
- by David Astle
Opinion
WordPlay
In praise of the eggcorn, the English language’s most logical mistake
Suffering from rumourism? You’ll need a courtesan shot for that.
- by David Astle
Opinion
WordPlay
When it comes to catchphrases, this film goes straight to the poolroom
No other movie matches this local classic’s linguistic legacy.
- by David Astle
Opinion
WordPlay
A second, minute or hour? What counts as a jiffy
Our language loves colourful terms for time and quantity, but their imprecision presents challenges.
- by David Astle
What’s a dysphemism, and what’s Trump got to do with it?
Our language can be shaded with good or bad intentions, depending on the speaker.
- by David Astle
What happens when you ban language? A new one emerges
But does algospeak risk underplaying serious issues?
- by David Astle
No more apostrophes and corporate speak: What we want changed about English
One new decree drew 500 likes: “A zero-shame policy for pronouncing words you’ve only ever seen in print.”
- by David Astle
Why the false water rat needs a new name
Research shows endangered species are more likely to get help if their names sound positive, but could renaming open a (tou)can of worms?
- by David Astle
Wiggles or wriggles? The debates from readers that have hit my mailbag
These word dilemmas are real hot potatoes.
- by David Astle
The times when acting as a grammar cop is a bit too much
While Grammar Gotcha is a popular sport, there are times when it’s wiser to hold your tongue.
- by David Astle