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
Australia leads the world in the use of this oxymoronic term
During this year’s budget there was one recurrent word association that appeared more than others.
- by David Astle
Latest
‘Red light and speed camera ahead’: The ambiguity of Google Maps
Are there two cameras, one for speeding and one for lights? Or just one camera? Voiced messages lack the punctuation to eliminate the doubt.
- by David Astle
Opinion
WordPlay
When it comes to names, does Elon Musk have the X-Factor?
The decision to ditch a brand name that has become part of the vernacular has sparked lively debate on a social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
- by David Astle
Opinion
WordPlay
My recent crossword sparked beef. Was my food clue a trifle fishy?
With words always gaining new meanings, setting crosswords is no piece of cake.
- by David Astle
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
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