Off to Oxford

Sorry not to be chattier -- yet. I've been busy getting ready to leave tomorrow for Merrie Olde England, to attend a celebration in honor of the Oxford English Dictionary's 80th anniversary. (I can hardly believe that the OED is only 80 years old!) For now, three things to say: 

I'm looking forward to the celebration and to reporting on it here.

As you know, I'm new to blogging, so I don't know whether I'm going to be sorry for the following. (Please don't be the person who makes me sorry!) But here goes: Doesn't "How did the Oxford English Dictionary celebrate its 80th anniversary?" sound as if it ought to have a punch line? So what is the punch line? 

Is there anything you'd like me to ask John Simpson, the editor in chief of the OED? Or Simon "Professor and the Madman" Winchester? Let me know.

Comments

When "meh" gets added.

Posted by James Grieves | October 10, 2008 11:20 PM

Glossily?

Posted by Robert Hymes | October 11, 2008 1:06 PM

Welcome. Why not avail yourself of a perfectly respectable verb form which could use some tender, loving care these days i.e. the present perfect simple? You'll hear it constantly on your trip to Merrie Olde England.
So, how about: "How has the Oxford English Dictionary celebrated its 80th birthday?" It's more 'in your face' than "how did" and less stodgy than "This is how they celebrated...."

Posted by peterK | October 11, 2008 1:58 PM

"How did the Oxford English Dictionary celebrate its 80th anniversary?"

歡悅 的

Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2008 6:02 PM

The question Andrew Sullivan raises is interesting. I like very much saying "he or she," rather than "they," in order to protect the singular. Grammar should provide a sensation not only of logic but also, whenever possible, of particularity...And I think raising the delightfully particular issue of gender in the abstract realms of grammar is a big plus for English...

Posted by Mark | October 11, 2008 7:05 PM

Ask them to reduce the annual subscription to the online (web) version to $80 in honour of their 80th anniversary. $295/year is too much for me: like many potential subscribers, I would use it a few times a month. Some form of limited access would be acceptable (10 times a month?)

Posted by Steve Highcock | October 11, 2008 10:26 PM

Ask the harmless drudges why Philippines starts with "P" but Filipino has an "f".

Posted by Geoff | October 12, 2008 12:39 AM

"How did the Oxford English Dictionary celebrate its 80th anniversary?"

Unabridged-ly?

Posted by Leah | October 13, 2008 2:04 PM