I think in the privacy of their own home Arlo and Janis can use whatever grammar they like. I know in my home, I always say “Let me axe you a question”, and the wife answers “Axe away”. Kind of an inside joke.
And back on point, there are times I find little gems like today’s gag, so close to home, that it’s scary a little. My wife has been pushing for us to stop buying, and more so, get rid of ‘stuff’, for some time now.
Jim de Graff, I’m also sensitive on language (I’ve got my tee-shirt, “I am the grammarian about whom your mother warned you”). However, in reading history of the English language, it occurred to me that I have lived long enough (lucky me) to observe further evolution of the language in action. It’s not a great vowel shift; it’s “they” as neuter singular pronoun and “lie/lay/laid” gone - but there’s no point in flinging myself under the wheel of change, and I’m trying to spare my gastric juices.
It’s not about need, Night-Gaunt; it’s about “ah WANTS it!” Or, as hoarders (or partial hoarders, like me) say, “You can’t never tell!”fleebell, I might not have read closely enough, but you’re the only commenter who has alluded to the fact that Janis has (apparently) slapped Arlo in the face. If either my husband or I had done that to the other, there’d be hell to pay. (Yes, It’s-only-a-comic police, I know. But still . . . .)
Lynnskay and comicsssfan: Oh, thanks, guys. Duh on me!comicsssfan, lots of us can’t have rummange sales, either because we lack sufficient executive function, and/or we can’t bear to let anything go!
For you prescriptionists who decry the use of “less” in this context, note this from M/W Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition: ""Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred . . ."
Stone Katherine C over 11 years ago
excellent idea!
KenTheCoffinDweller over 11 years ago
Well Arlo does get on this “We have too much stuff” kick every so often. So now they just have a bit less stuff. :)
alviebird over 11 years ago
When your prized possessions start to weigh you downLook in my direction, I’ll be round, I’ll be round
— John Lennon (And Your Bird Can Sing)
rjdegraff over 11 years ago
One "fewer’.
Ooten Aboot over 11 years ago
Jim de Graff, I think you are correct, but a large amount of people disagree with us.
Varnes over 11 years ago
thebird55, God I miss that guy….
Manhunter808 over 11 years ago
Jim de Graff, I KNOW you are correct, and many people disagree because they simply don’t know/don’t care.
axe-grinder over 11 years ago
Time for a new set of dishes.
Slimer127 over 11 years ago
At a certain age, we all want to downsize our stuff but usually by giving ity away or via a yard sale. This works too!
sleeepy2 over 11 years ago
I think in the privacy of their own home Arlo and Janis can use whatever grammar they like. I know in my home, I always say “Let me axe you a question”, and the wife answers “Axe away”. Kind of an inside joke.
mhlon Premium Member over 11 years ago
And back on point, there are times I find little gems like today’s gag, so close to home, that it’s scary a little. My wife has been pushing for us to stop buying, and more so, get rid of ‘stuff’, for some time now.
YokohamaMama over 11 years ago
I’m still “upsizing”. My kids can get rid of my stuff when I go.
kimbis over 11 years ago
I’ve been in my house more than 30 years. The “stuff” is beginning to own ME instead of the other way around. I totally understand this strip.
finale over 11 years ago
Free trip to Alf’s planet?
716PMedGuy over 11 years ago
looks they’re going to have party!
chemgal over 11 years ago
@sbwertz: I’m pretty sure ootenAboot was saying that tongue-in-cheek
Roger Copeland Premium Member over 11 years ago
Let’s hope it’s less thing to get rid of when they go to live on the boat, like us!
fleebell over 11 years ago
She’s been watching too many Jackie Chan cartoons!
rifframone over 11 years ago
I donated a big set to the Salvation Army last year! Loved the product but hated the pattern I had.
znw1 over 11 years ago
Jim de Graff, I’m also sensitive on language (I’ve got my tee-shirt, “I am the grammarian about whom your mother warned you”). However, in reading history of the English language, it occurred to me that I have lived long enough (lucky me) to observe further evolution of the language in action. It’s not a great vowel shift; it’s “they” as neuter singular pronoun and “lie/lay/laid” gone - but there’s no point in flinging myself under the wheel of change, and I’m trying to spare my gastric juices.
Gokie5 over 11 years ago
It’s not about need, Night-Gaunt; it’s about “ah WANTS it!” Or, as hoarders (or partial hoarders, like me) say, “You can’t never tell!”fleebell, I might not have read closely enough, but you’re the only commenter who has alluded to the fact that Janis has (apparently) slapped Arlo in the face. If either my husband or I had done that to the other, there’d be hell to pay. (Yes, It’s-only-a-comic police, I know. But still . . . .)
Gokie5 over 11 years ago
Lynnskay and comicsssfan: Oh, thanks, guys. Duh on me!comicsssfan, lots of us can’t have rummange sales, either because we lack sufficient executive function, and/or we can’t bear to let anything go!
gocomicsmember over 11 years ago
For you prescriptionists who decry the use of “less” in this context, note this from M/W Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition: ""Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred . . ."