What Is This? Wrong Answers Only

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Seriously, though. I don’t know what it is.

Last week, I had the pleasure of working with a select group of leaders nominated from an engineering firm at their Advanced Communication Program retreat. We were together three days at the Radisson Phoenix Airport, and the staff there attended to our every need. They provided delicious options for breakfast and lunch and even brought in mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. (Is it any wonder I gain weight at these events?) 

 

On our last day there, the catering staff provided us with airport bags stuffed to the brim with bottled water, granola bars, fruit, pens and pencils, notebooks—and this.

 

Nine engineers—and not a single one of us could figure out the function or purpose of this object. Of course, we had some wild guesses.

 

Who knows? If you actually know what this object is called and what it does, please respond. Even if you want to hazard a guess, inquiring minds want to know.

 

To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes. 

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That’s a Whole “Nuther” Story

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This wacky word is making a comeback in 2023. Already several times in the new year I’ve heard professional speakers and broadcasters—and even a preacher—use the word “nuther.” 

 

But, I’m posting this blog today because I saw someone actually write it in a paper: nuther.

 

Is nuther a word? Short answer: No.

 

We hear people say, “That’s a whole nuther story.” Or, “We’re looking at a whole nuther level of shenanigans.”

 

However, the solution is not necessarily to correct it with “a whole other story,” which is poor grammar. Rather, I believe the problem lies with the word “whole.” What is actually happening is the speaker is inserting the “whole” between the first and second syllables of “another,” and the result is “a-whole-nother” story. This sounds like “a whole nuther” story.

 

So, the solution is to get rid of “whole.” Just say, “That’s another story.” That’s another story for another day. Whether it’s spelled nother or nuther, don’t say it—and certainly don’t write it.

 

What about you? What’s another wacky word you are hearing and seeing a lot these days and, perhaps, you’ve always questioned?

 

To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes. 

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