Bilbo's Random Thought Collection

Those of you to whom I am connected on Facebook have already seen this rant, so feel free to surf to some other location if you like. As ...

A recent update from Merriam Webster (the dictionary people) was titled, "Ten Words for People Who Are Bad at What They Do." Alt...

If you came here expecting to see the usual Poetry Sunday offering, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few days for your poetry fix. ...

Most of us don't often think of the dictionary as a source of fun and entertainment, but Merriam-Webster is doing its best to make us ...

Here's an interesting exercise in language for you, if you're interested: go back and read every newspaper and online report concer...

Okay, it's been a while since I've gone off on a good linguistic rant, so I guess it's time. The subject for today is drones....

President Obama has come in for the usual mix of kudos and hysterical opposition for his decision this week to officially change the name o...

As a lover of language with a special interest in the meanings of words, one of the things I find very frustrating is when we refuse to say...

Do you sometimes wish that product advertisements would be up-front with you occasionally? That the advertising slogans that bombard us eve...

Yesterday's post, in which I trolled for suggestions for a new team name for the Washington Redskins, set a near record for comments. I...

Well, I'm back. Actually, I was never gone. I was just in a state of cold-induced suspended animation. It's six big degrees outside...

As you know, Dear Readers, I long ago soured on both of our major political parties, which are more focused on gaining and holding power an...

First of all, let me say that I haven't yet decided who I'll vote for in the Presidential election. I will just say that I need to ...

I found this interesting article by Brian Palmer on Slate.com yesterday: "When Did "Douche" Become an Insult, and What Exactl...