View Full Version : "Thru-hike" is illiterate, and should be changed
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
It is a catch phrase, Professor Fix-It. If it worries you THAT much, why don't you say " I was a long distance hiker", which is more accurate than through-hiker.
john gault
01-30-2008, 12:29
After seeing all your post on maps and now this, I'm starting to think you're nothing but a troll.
Alligator
01-30-2008, 12:34
Degt!
Poahf:).
Shiraz-mataz
01-30-2008, 12:36
Does this school your applying for grants with NOT have a dicitionary? Hmmmm... Let's see.... Yep! "Thru" is in there! An informal form of through. As an engineer I use "thru" all the time (thru-hole, etc.). Let's worry about something more important...
The Weasel
01-30-2008, 12:36
Clured:
It's a "term of art" and correctly spelled as "Thru-hike", just as the New York Thruway is a chosen term. Your applications can say, "I 'thru-hiked' the Appalachian Tail by hiking though all of the states it's part of."
Using that term makes trail hikers look no more "infantile" nor does it "bastardize English" any more than saying "lets all agree to change" and leaving the apostrophe out of "let's". :D
TW
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 12:38
Don't be a don't bee, do be a thrubee. How dare you accuse me and others of being infantile. I'm not changing and I'm holding my breath until you change first!! :):rolleyes::cool::p:banana:clap:datz Infantile indeed!!
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 12:40
Look out Weasel. You just ended a sentence with a preposition. Clured is really going to lose it now.
Lanthar Mandragoran
01-30-2008, 12:41
Does this school your applying for grants with NOT have a dicitionary? Hmmmm... Let's see.... Yep! "Thru" is in there! An informal form of through. As an engineer I use "thru" all the time (thru-hole, etc.). Let's worry about something more important...
Apparently clured can't be bothered with tiresome academia...
I bet you just love to read text messages on the cell phone!!!!!!!:eek:
Johnny Thunder
01-30-2008, 12:47
I bet you just love to read text messages on the cell phone!!!!!!!:eek:
Don't you mean "cellular telephone"?
The Weasel
01-30-2008, 12:50
Look out Weasel. You just ended a sentence with a preposition. Clured is really going to lose it now.
Oh yeah?* Oh yeah?** And*** who**** do you think hes***** going to address that to?******
TW
* Comma missing.
** Comma missinng again.
*** Sentence should not begin with conjunction.
**** Correct pronoung is "whom", properly used as "to whom".
***** Apostrophe missing.
****** Sentence concluded with preposition.
PS: These things matter? Clu, if these matter to you, you might need a life. They're holding sales on them at the dollar store. Three for a buck. :)
johnny quest
01-30-2008, 12:53
whiteblaze has its own andy rooney.
dixicritter
01-30-2008, 12:56
In all actuality, the ATC doesn't even recognize the term Thru-hiker anyway... it is 2000 miler. So it is much ado about nothing if you ask me. ;)
And also... saying ""Thru-hike" is illiterate" is the wrong way to say it anyway. What it says is that "Thru-hike" can't read. Which is not possible.
How it should read is "Spelling it "Thru-hike" and not "through-hike" is illiterate."
If you want to get all uppity about it. :rolleyes:
Good grief. It's thru-hike, not through-hike. Get over it.
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
This is Lame
I bet you didnt like reading the entrys at the shelters every night. Because i no I kant speell.
Clured:
Using that term makes trail hikers look no more "infantile" nor does it "bastardize English" any more than saying "lets all agree to change" and leaving the apostrophe out of "let's". :D TW
dang, that's funny... lmao...
oh. excuse me. that should read "I am laughing vigorously".
RITBlake
01-30-2008, 13:00
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It's actually Toys"R"Us
He musta been one of those guys who thought having trailnames was childish too.
budforester
01-30-2008, 13:06
I think “bastardized” is an illegitimate term; would recommend substituting “corrupted”. Most would not understand “through- hike”, so formal writing would be better served by explanatory terms, as Sarbar suggested.
The Weasel
01-30-2008, 13:07
dang, that's funny... lmao...
oh. excuse me. that should read "I am laughing vigorously".
Dammit, Seeker. First, you don't bother to capitalize your sentences, and you fail to do so three times. You totally ignore your obligation to put a comma prior to your quotation, and then you put the period in the last sentence outside of the quotation marks. And you laugh at Clu? I am appalled. And, worst yet, one of our Admins has seen this thread, and she is likely to think, "Who are these people? Why don't they have lives, especially when The Weasel has told them about the big sale at Dollar Store?" [Yes, I just got a couple, but I haven't started to actually use them yet. I may find that having a life is too much to deal with and want to return it.]
Seeker, I hope you apologize to everyone, and do so properly, before you are forced to start diagramming your sentences.
TW
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 13:09
As for his last sentece. Is it a question or a statement? "Let's agree to change?" or "Let's agree to change".
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 13:10
As for his last sentece. Is it a question or a statement? "Let's agree to change?" or "Let's agree to change".
OMG, I can't spell.....I'm outa here.:banana
He musta been one of those guys who thought having trailnames was childish too.
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb. I say it/write it all the time. I'm just observing that it is incorrect, and that it can be more than a little embarrassing to use the term with people that know nothing about the AT.
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Creek Dancer
01-30-2008, 13:14
If they know nothing about the AT, I don't think they would understand "through-hike" any more than they would understand "thru-hike".
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 13:15
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Lighten up Francis.
budforester
01-30-2008, 13:16
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb. I say it/write it all the time. I'm just observing that it is incorrect, and that it can be more than a little embarrassing to use the term with people that know nothing about the AT.
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Not anger; this frivolity is more fun than work.
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 13:20
Clured, If that's THE problem you have to work on in this world you live a pretty good life.
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
I used to get all excited about such things until I found out that the neologisms are often not new at all. In fact, they may be more ancient than the accepted usages, which is one reason the dictionaries now follow usage rather than prescription. Cf. Xmas
So lets all agree to change?
Let's not, and say we did. :sun
Mad Hatter 08
01-30-2008, 13:26
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb. I say it/write it all the time. I'm just observing that it is incorrect, and that it can be more than a little embarrassing to use the term with people that know nothing about the AT.
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Okay you're a stickler on not say thru-hike and yet you use/say it all of the time??? Which means you like to look "illiterate and bum*****." Trailnames are not used because the trail is dangerous but for a closer sense of comraderie which in your big city you'll find people calling each other by nicknames if you see them in a group. Lastly, what is more embarrassing, having to explain what thru-hike means to someone who is uneducated about the AT and possibly turning their interest towards it or looking like a ignorant stuck up jerk in front of the AT community for suggesting that we change a term that has been used for numerous years. None of the posts have been made in anger, rather everyone has just had a huge laugh at your expense.
taildragger
01-30-2008, 13:27
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Bagh, you figured us out. We're all think alike, look alike, hike-a-like packsniffers that joined together and commandeered a VBS.
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb.
Yes, actually, you are. I believe the words you used were illiterate, stupid, infantile, and bum***** (whatever that last one is, I still haven't figured it out. But I'm sure it's not nice since it got censored.)
One thing I find wonderful about language, is that it's constantly morphing to admit new words. Don't believe me? Try to look up "smog" in a circa 1850's dictionary.
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 13:30
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
You don't have a street name???
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 13:31
One thing I find wonderful about language, is that it's constantly morphing to admit new words. Don't believe me? Try to look up "smog" in a circa 1850's dictionary.
As well, 4 letter words that are considered 'swear' words and are still censored to this day (all of them) were standard literary fare a few centuries ago.
Mad Hatter 08
01-30-2008, 13:32
maybe bum***** is supposed to be dumb*** but he forgot how to spell it.
Blue Jay
01-30-2008, 13:32
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized,.....So lets all agree to change?
Basterdized is not a word. Get lost stickler boy.
Mad Hatter 08
01-30-2008, 13:34
Basterdized is not a word. Get lost stickler boy.
it is in the clured edition of the world dictionary
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 13:36
it is in the clured edition of the world dictionary
Although it is spelled with two 'a's - not with an 'e' in the root word.;)
This thread is missing what should be the definitive last word on the subject and that is a comment from L. Wolf!!! Where are you man?
New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
These people disagree (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_criminals_by_nickname). :D
Hey..in all seriousness, trail names are nothing more than nicknames.
I have a friends named Dave. We call one "Tall Dave", we call another "New Hampshah Dave" and yet another is called "Bearded Dave".
Where I last worked there were two Pauls ..I was called Paul Mags. Among my friends there are also a few Pauls...guess what they call me? :)
Sooooo..trail names would still be around even if they were not an "official" part of the AT experience.
"Have you seen Mike on the trail?"
"Which Mike?"
"Rhody Mike"
"Ah..I thought you meant Mike Red"
Substitute "Rhody Mike" for "Vaguely Mystical Sounding Hiker Name" and "Mike Red" for "Shamrock" and volia..trail names!
As for thru-hike vs through-hike...
English is an evolving language. Otherwise we'd still be spelling like this:
Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote
The droghte of March hath perced to the roote
And bathed every veyne in swich licour,
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;
.....
And smale (http://www.librarius.com/gy.htm#smale) foweles (http://www.librarius.com/gy.htm#foweles) maken melodye,
That slepen al the nyght with open eye-
(So priketh hem Nature in hir corages);
Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages
And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes
To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry londes;
I'd hate to see English stagnate. If "thru-hike" is an accepted term in colloquial use AND in professional use (in certain circles) than it is a real word.
Besides..if you go on pilgrimages.it only matters how you go thru/through with it..not how you spell it. :)
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 13:40
A-Train-"He musta been one of those guys who thought having trailnames was childish too."Trail names, heck, his WB name "clured" is illiterate even by illiterate standards!;) Until he corrects that glaring example of misspelling, he can't be taken seriously.
Many words are symbolic and not to be taken literally. For instance, 'troll'.
I can, however, picture 'clured' living under a bridge.:rolleyes:
Rockhound
01-30-2008, 13:46
hey Mr. anal retentive, c u at trail daze
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 13:50
hey Mr. anal retentive, c u at trail daze
Toys are we????
How about, "Purveyors of children's playthings. To the extent we identify ourselves as such in a personal and intimate manner."
Saw this sign on the Florida Trail last week. I was through hiking on Saturday. ;)
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:03
Saw this sign on the Florida Trail last week. I was through hiking on Saturday. ;)
I hiked on Saturday. By 5:00 PM I was through hiking.
So I went home.
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 14:05
None of the posts have been made in anger, rather everyone has just had a huge laugh at your expense.
I am guilty as charged. :D
whitefoot_hp
01-30-2008, 14:16
the OP presents a good example of the appeal to authority complex that is not supposed to be engrained in american culture, but apparently is in connection with the rise of the state in personal life.
Language is a construction, used to serve a purpose: communication. if language achieves that function, then it is by essence literate. If 'thru-hike" successfully conveys the idea which its user intends, then there is no grounds for your charge of illiteracy.
Just a reminder: the way we speak today is a butchery of the english language even 200 years ago. Its a relative think, ya know.
Basterdized is not a word. Get lost stickler boy.
Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
While I certainly agree that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, the problem is that "thru-hike" can't really be thought of as an actual growth of English in any meaningful sense, because it is only used/known by a very, very, very tiny portion of English-speakers. There's no widepsread consensus about it; if I make up a word, it's not a new word, it's just made up. Only over the course of many years and massive, widespread adoption is a new word really integrated into language.
Sure, if all your friends are hikers, "thru-hike" doesn't sound weird or uneducated, but as soon as you stray out of the hiking world it really raises eyebrows. In perparing various applications for various things, ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
Now, you all can cackle away all you want, but "thru-hike" reinforces bad stereotypes of hikers.
Trail names, heck, his WB name "clured" is illiterate even by illiterate standards!;) Until he corrects that glaring example of misspelling, he can't be taken seriously.
Many words are symbolic and not to be taken literally. For instance, 'troll'.
I can, however, picture 'clured' living under a bridge.:rolleyes:
Also,
What?
It is not a misspelling. It is a play on my name. What did you think it was supposed to be? It's not meant to be any word, or any version of a word..
so a 'thru-hiker' is a bad person?
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:27
Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
While I certainly agree that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, the problem is that "thru-hike" can't really be thought of as an actual growth of English in any meaningful sense, because it is only used/known by a very, very, very tiny portion of English-speakers. There's no widepsread consensus about it; if I make up a word, it's not a new word, it's just made up. Only over the course of many years and massive, widespread adoption is a new word really integrated into language.
Sure, if all your friends are hikers, "thru-hike" doesn't sound weird or uneducated, but as soon as you stray out of the hiking world it really raises eyebrows. In perparing various applications for various things, ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
Now, you all can cackle away all you want, but "thru-hike" reinforces bad stereotypes of hikers.
I think he meant basterdized is not a word. I'm sure he is aware that bastardized is a word.
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 14:28
clured-
"Also,
What?
It is not a misspelling. It is a play on my name. What did you think it was supposed to be? It's not meant to be any word, or any version of a word.."Whether your name is a play on words or not, it is still illiterate by your humorous definition.:rolleyes:
'Thru' is a play on a word also.
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 14:28
so a 'thru-hiker' is a bad person?
well a lot of them can be buttheads
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:29
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
What?
It is not a misspelling. It is a play on a name. What did you think it was supposed to be? It's not meant to be any word, or any version of a word..
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 14:29
Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism
What did they suggest it should be called?
sheepdog
01-30-2008, 14:34
This is my first winter in the white blaze network. Is this what we do in order to help with the winter blues?
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:35
What did they suggest it should be called?
Person of interest with an interest in, affinity for, and willingness to, utilizing a self propulsion method devoid of any mechanical means, progress over a footpath intended to connect a geographic area of above mean altitude in the southeastern area of the United States and a geographic area of above mean altitude in the northeastern area of the United States. Such progress may or may not include the utilization of various hued markers on indigenous or introduced flora in order to aid navigation and note continued use of such footpath. Progress may be in contiguous or non-contiguous timeframes.
What did they suggest it should be called?
"Through-hike." What else?
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 14:38
Thank goodness The Cheat only posted the short version of the definition! :banana
Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
While I certainly agree that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, the problem is that "thru-hike" can't really be thought of as an actual growth of English in any meaningful sense, because it is only used/known by a very, very, very tiny portion of English-speakers. There's no widepsread consensus about it; if I make up a word, it's not a new word, it's just made up. Only over the course of many years and massive, widespread adoption is a new word really integrated into language.
Sure, if all your friends are hikers, "thru-hike" doesn't sound weird or uneducated, but as soon as you stray out of the hiking world it really raises eyebrows. In perparing various applications for various things, ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
Now, you all can cackle away all you want, but "thru-hike" reinforces bad stereotypes of hikers.
Thousands of people, possibly tens of thousands, know and understand the term "thru-hiker". Actually, given that it was used in teh book "A Walk in the Woods", possibly millions of people are now familiar with the term. So, I think it's now integrated. And considering that thru-hiking is not going anywhere any time soon, it's a term that's going to stick around.
And here's a question for you... is there even such a possibility as an "incorrect colloquialism", since a colloquialism is a reflection of informal speach? And since informal often skirts the traditional rules, it really can't be incorrect. So, it's either colloquial, or it's not.
As to your third point... really? Really? Bad stereotype because of spelling? That's the first thing I hear whenever I hear people talking about thru-hikers. "Man, he sure couldn't spell right. What a burden on humanity."
Really?
Chaco Taco
01-30-2008, 14:43
"Through-hike." What else?
Shouldn't you be studying or something?
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:44
Thousands ....snip.....
As to your third point... really? Really? Bad stereotype because of spelling? That's the first thing I hear whenever I hear people talking about thru-hikers. "Man, he sure couldn't spell right. What a burden on humanity."
Really?
LOL!!!
Normal Citizen: "We don't allow no 'thru-hikers' here!"
Curious fella: "No? The stank?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Mud on shoes?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Ummmmm, long hair?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Well, then, what????"
Normal Citizen: "It is their use of incorrect colloquialisms, and their atrocious spelling!"
Curious fella: "I am appalled!"
Normal Citizen: "Forsooth!"
envirodiver
01-30-2008, 14:44
Of all the threads I've ever seen, this is one of them.
dixicritter
01-30-2008, 14:44
This is my first winter in the white blaze network. Is this what we do in order to help with the winter blues?
Oh stick around, it's just getting fun. ;) :D
ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
But it is a well known term in outdoor circles. I've seen it used not only on websites, or in backpacker type magazines, but also in newspapers and other GENERAL reader type publications.
So academia many not recognize the word, but rest assured, it is used among a fairly decent size part of the population. As is the word "thru". (Then again, academia does not recognize a lot of things that happen in the real world. ;) )
Finally, made up words have a long history of becoming part of the language for the general population. (http://shakespeare.about.com/library/weekly/aa042400a.htm)
Influence, time and general use make a "made up word" a "real word".
You say to-may-to..I say to-mah-to
You spell "through-hiker"/I spell thru-hiker.
But, just as I am not as burly as some, I am not as well educated either. Hence my bad spelling of thru. ;)
Johnny Thunder
01-30-2008, 14:48
LOL!!!
Normal Citizen: "We don't allow no 'thru-hikers' here!"
Curious fella: "No? The stank?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Mud on shoes?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Ummmmm, long hair?"
Normal Citizen: "Nope."
Curious fella: "Well, then, what????"
Normal Citizen: "It is their use of incorrect colloquialisms, and their atrocious spelling!"
Curious fella: "I am appalled!"
Normal Citizen: "Forsooth!"
The Cheat. We did not install this quote feature so you could put on quote-feature plays. For shame.
Oh stick around, it's just getting fun. ;) :D
More funner every day:)
This is my first winter in the white blaze network. Is this what we do in order to help with the winter blues?
We tell jokes about grizzly bear poop, too.
This is Lame
-10. (Punctuation)
Thank goodness The Cheat only posted the short version of the definition! :banana
?
You didn't read:
bas·tard·ize http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/premium.gif http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pnghttp://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2 Fbastardize) /ˈbæshttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtərˌdaɪz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[bas-ter-dahyz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -ized, iz·ing.
"-ized" is a variation on the word. This is how dictionaries work; they list the root word, and then list variations.
Also, "The Cheat"? Really, Fhart?
Ender:
The thing is, it really is kind of an issue. Before and after my through-hike, lots of my friends asked stuff like, "What about all the rednecks out there?" "Have fun with hillbillies!" Of course it's ridiculous, but many, many people think of hikers as being stupid, uneducated, rednecks.
This really bothers me because I love hikers. I just think that things like "thru-hike" don't help to dispel these impressions.
Rockhound
01-30-2008, 14:50
[quote=clured;517437]Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
While I certainly agree that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, the problem is that "thru-hike" can't really be thought of as an actual growth of English in any meaningful sense, because it is only used/known by a very, very, very tiny portion of English-speakers. There's no widepsread consensus about it; if I make up a word, it's not a new word, it's just made up. Only over the course of many years and massive, widespread adoption is a new word really integrated into language.
Sure, if all your friends are hikers, "thru-hike" doesn't sound weird or uneducated, but as soon as you stray out of the hiking world it really raises eyebrows. In perparing various applications for various things, ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
Now, you all can cackle away all you want, but "thru-hike" reinforces bad stereotypes of hikers.[/quote} After I'm done shopping at Toys R' Us we can hit the drive thru & have a rap session about this over a fillet O' fish
Rockhound
01-30-2008, 14:53
A preposition is never a good thing to end a sentence with.
More funner every day:)
Sorry A-Train, funner is not a word.
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 14:55
The Cheat. We did not install this quote feature so you could put on quote-feature plays. For shame.
W00t! Quote Raves!
[quote=clured;517437]Yes it is.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bastardize
While I certainly agree that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, the problem is that "thru-hike" can't really be thought of as an actual growth of English in any meaningful sense, because it is only used/known by a very, very, very tiny portion of English-speakers. There's no widepsread consensus about it; if I make up a word, it's not a new word, it's just made up. Only over the course of many years and massive, widespread adoption is a new word really integrated into language.
Sure, if all your friends are hikers, "thru-hike" doesn't sound weird or uneducated, but as soon as you stray out of the hiking world it really raises eyebrows. In perparing various applications for various things, ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism.
Now, you all can cackle away all you want, but "thru-hike" reinforces bad stereotypes of hikers.[/quote} After I'm done shopping at Toys R' Us we can hit the drive thru & have a rap session about this over a fillet O' fish
OK. :D
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 14:57
Person of interest with an interest in, affinity for, and willingness to, utilizing a self propulsion method devoid of any mechanical means, progress over a footpath intended to connect a geographic area of above mean altitude in the southeastern area of the United States and a geographic area of above mean altitude in the northeastern area of the United States. Such progress may or may not include the utilization of various hued markers on indigenous or introduced flora in order to aid navigation and note continued use of such footpath. Progress may be in contiguous or non-contiguous timeframes. That's gonna be a long anacronym.
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 14:58
Clured-"...The thing is, it really is kind of an issue. Before and after my through-hike, lots of my friends asked stuff like, "What about all the rednecks out there?" "Have fun with hillbillies!" Of course it's ridiculous, but many, many people think of hikers as being stupid, uneducated, rednecks...."Ah, I see your problem. If you were a thru-hiker instead of a 'through-hiker' (should that be hyphenated?), you'd understand. ;)
A lot of my friends think of through-hikers as being stupid, uneducated, New Havenites.:D
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?No, let's not agree to change. To each their own. If you don't like the term, simply don't use it. But don't even make an half hearted attempt at censoring other's use of it. Oh for chrissakes, think of the term "thru-hike" and deviations thereof as slang. And that's the fact, Jack!
Lighten up Francis.Well put. I love it when people quote my favorite movies.
That's gonna be a long anacronym.
...and will lead to one hell of a purity debate!
(This is the best thread EV-VAH <--- not a bad spelling..trying to approximate my native New England dialect. Is that OK ??!?! :D )
Would you get a
"Set number of miles derived from the established length of a wilderness corridor" embroidered piece of cloth for the placement on a unit devised for carrying of outdoor gear for that may have been used by a
" Person of interest with an interest in, affinity for, and willingness to, utilizing a self propulsion method devoid of any mechanical means, progress over a footpath intended to connect a geographic area of above mean altitude in the southeastern area of the United States and a geographic area of above mean altitude in the northeastern area of the United States. Such progress may or may not include the utilization of various hued markers on indigenous or introduced flora in order to aid navigation and note continued use of such footpath. Progress may be in contiguous or non-contiguous timeframes."
?!?!?!!?!?
Would you get a
"Set number of miles derived from the established length of a wilderness corridor" embroidered piece of cloth for the placement on a unit devised for carrying of outdoor gear for that may have been used by a
" Person of interest with an interest in, affinity for, and willingness to, utilizing a self propulsion method devoid of any mechanical means, progress over a footpath intended to connect a geographic area of above mean altitude in the southeastern area of the United States and a geographic area of above mean altitude in the northeastern area of the United States. Such progress may or may not include the utilization of various hued markers on indigenous or introduced flora in order to aid navigation and note continued use of such footpath. Progress may be in contiguous or non-contiguous timeframes."
?!?!?!!?!?So, more or less, a thru-hiker. :D
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 15:05
A preposition is never a good thing to end a sentence with. I'm sure ya'll have heard this one.....
A freshman at Harvard stops an upperclassman and asks him, "Where's the library at?"
The Upperclassman looks down his nose at the Freshman and replies, "At Harvard, we don't end sentences with prepositions."
The freshman looks at him and says, "Where's the library at, A$$hole?" :D
AlwaysHiking
01-30-2008, 15:05
The thing is, it really is kind of an issue. Before and after my through-hike, lots of my friends asked stuff like, "What about all the rednecks out there?" "Have fun with hillbillies!" Of course it's ridiculous, but many, many people think of hikers as being stupid, uneducated, rednecks.
This really bothers me because I love hikers. I just think that things like "thru-hike" don't help to dispel these impressions.
If using the word thru makes one stupid, uneducated, and a redneck, then anyone with a myspace or instant message program is too if they've ever even once used LOL, OMG, TTFN, LMAO, CU2Nite, and on and on. So then it's an affliction on all of society, not just people who walk in the woods.
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Me thinks it would be easier to change your attitude.:-? Makes you look like an arrogant and bum*****.:eek: Back in the day thru hikers used thru and reporters, dreamers and others who hadn't been there, done that used through. So now you know, through is for the uneducated.;)
BackTrack1
01-30-2008, 15:07
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
ur a friggen idiot for even posting such a topic,:mad: who the heck cares how its spelled , any hiker knows what it means and if the non hikers dont, who friggen cares, now all of the sudden it bothers you and you want to change it,
if you want to change somethiong why dont you work on something more productive, like world hunger or world peace, F--- all the mis -spellings on here there are much more important things to worry about.
thats just my opinion.
If using the word thru makes one stupid, uneducated, and a redneck, then anyone with a myspace or instant message program is too if they've ever even once used LOL, OMG, TTFN, LMAO, CU2Nite, and on and on. So then it's an affliction on all of society, not just people who walk in the woods.
I also think all that is ridiculous. But not quite the same. Net-speak does not pretend to be actual language; it just references real language. There is no pretense of legitimacy.
It's incredible how much ire you can provoke for wanting to enforce grammatical correctness.
It's in the dictionary...
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thru
Ergo, it's a legitimate word. Tell that to your professors. Then tell them to shove it.
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:10
you got'em all stirred up clured. good job. buncha weenies :)
AlwaysHiking
01-30-2008, 15:11
I also think all that is ridiculous. But not quite the same. Net-speak does not pretend to be actual language; it just references real language. There is no pretense of legitimacy.
It's incredible how much ire you can provoke for wanting to enforce grammatical correctness.
You've got a pretense of something, but I'd get censored if I typed it...
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 15:11
...and will lead to one hell of a purity debate!
(This is the best thread EV-VAH <--- not a bad spelling..trying to approximate my native New England dialect. Is that OK ??!?! :D )
Would you get a
"Set number of miles derived from the established length of a wilderness corridor" embroidered piece of cloth for the placement on a unit devised for carrying of outdoor gear for that may have been used by a
" Person of interest with an interest in, affinity for, and willingness to, utilizing a self propulsion method devoid of any mechanical means, progress over a footpath intended to connect a geographic area of above mean altitude in the southeastern area of the United States and a geographic area of above mean altitude in the northeastern area of the United States. Such progress may or may not include the utilization of various hued markers on indigenous or introduced flora in order to aid navigation and note continued use of such footpath. Progress may be in contiguous or non-contiguous timeframes."
?!?!?!!?!?
I would get an individual unit of said item and endeavour to affix to said gear conveyance device to denote successful progress within my individual recognition of what defines and acknowledges success of said endeavour. Methods of affixtion may or may not include, and are not limited to, successive insertion and removal in a definitive pattern of a natural or synthetic thread and/or a fixitive method of chemical or mechanical means.
Footslogger
01-30-2008, 15:12
Degt!
Poahf:).
============================
Is that a Klingon dialect ??
'Slogger
I also think all that is ridiculous. But not quite the same. Net-speak does not pretend to be actual language; it just references real language. There is no pretense of legitimacy.
It's incredible how much ire you can provoke for wanting to enforce grammatical correctness.Holy ****. Can you please save the holier than thou crap? If anyone here wanted you to correct how we speak, they would have asked you. Could the mods/administrator please close the thread on the Grammar Police? This is getting nowhere.
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:14
Holy ****. Can you please save the holier than thou crap? If anyone here wanted you to correct how we speak, they would have asked you. Could the mods/administrator please close the thread on the Grammar Police? This is getting nowhere.
you keep respondin'. duh :)
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 15:14
Mags-"(This is the best thread EV-VAH <--- not a bad spelling..trying to approximate my native New England dialect. Is that OK ??!?!:D )"As they say up here, AYUH (http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/lifeinnewengland/Essays/accents.html).:D
I was talking to a woman who was originally from Maine but had lived down south for years and she said when she first moved there, people thought she had a respiratory problem because some natives say 'ayuh' while inhaling so it sounds somewhat like a gasp. People from away may not get the entire effect of that explanation.;)
It's incredible how much ire you can provoke for wanting to enforce grammatical correctness.
Heh...ENFORCE? Heck it is just opinion.
Anyway,Clured, this pic is for you! :D Can we call you the ENFORCER???!?!
Sounds like a "wrastler" or maybe a real l33t hax0r....
Grammarian usually has little to contribute to a discussion and possesses few effective weapons. To compensate, he will point out minor errors in spelling and grammar. Because of Grammarian's obvious weakness most Warriors ignore him.
(This conversation is too fun to ignore though. ;) )
http://redwing.hutman.net/%7Emreed/Assets/grammarian.jpg
you keep respondin'. duh :)But it's fun.
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:16
But it's fun.
then don't be a puss by callin' out the mods
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 15:16
Heh...ENFORCE? Heck it is just opinion.
Anyway,Clured, this pic is for you! :D Can we call you the ENFORCER???!?!
Sounds like a "wrastler" or maybe a real cool hax0r....
Grammarian usually has little to contribute to a discussion and possesses few effective weapons. To compensate, he will point out minor errors in spelling and grammar. Because of Grammarian's obvious weakness most Warriors ignore him.
(This conversation is too fun to ignore though. ;) )
Forsooth! Methinks well fed the troll doth be!
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 15:16
I'm having fun. Almost 6 pages in less than 3 hours. Good Trolling!!:D:D
you got'em all stirred up clured. good job. buncha weenies :)
Naah..I am enjoying this discussion much more than looking at error logs. :eek:
then don't be a puss by callin' out the modsI hate it when you make a point. Crap. :D
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:18
I'm having fun. Almost 6 pages in less than 3 hours. Good Trolling!!:D:D
he took my course at the LW school of BS : s***stirring 101
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:18
Naah..I am enjoying this discussion much more than looking at error logs. :eek:
error logs?
error logs?
That's the log you shouldn't have leaned against after you dug your cathole.
The Old Fhart
01-30-2008, 15:21
Lone Wolf-"error logs?"Clured would point out they aren't actually wooden logs and the name should be changed.:D
Actually, I think the reference is in regards to internet or computer thingies. ;)
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 15:22
That's the log you shouldn't have leaned against after you dug your cathole.
Good thing I wasn't drinking milk! LOL
Alligator
01-30-2008, 15:23
============================
Is that a Klingon dialect ??
'SloggerRTFM (http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp);)
SC PAW.
Footslogger
01-30-2008, 15:23
This the best thread swerve I've seen in ages ...
How many definitions can we come up with for the term "error log" ??
'Slogger
People from away may not get the entire effect of that explanation.;)
Heh...
In my last job, as mentioned, there were two Pauls.
One day my Mom called while I was in a meeting. I sent her flowers for her birthday.
When I arrived back at my desk, my manager said to me:
"Paaawl..your mahm caawled. She said you ahh such a good boy, that the flowahs are beautiful and that you should come home moah"
(Yes..she actually said "I'm a good boy" to the boss lady...and that I should come home more!)
From that point on, they could always tell which Paawl was being asked for when Mom caawled. Kathy (the boss) found it hilarious.
The Maine accent and the Rhody accent are a bit different, but similar enough where I can translate. ;)
How many definitions can we come up with for the term "error log" ??
Incontinent stool. Also referred to as "Code Brown" in my business. :D
This the best thread swerve I've seen in ages ...
How many definitions can we come up with for the term "error log" ??
'Slogger
If my log was in error, it would be painful...
Footslogger
01-30-2008, 15:27
The error log on my MRI system is always backed up ...so to speak !!
'Slogger
This topic has generated 114 responses in only 3 hours?!?!?!:eek:
Wild Cowboy, you've been dethroned by Clured......
I'm so glad I have a job.............;)
Dances with Mice
01-30-2008, 15:28
Lots of hikers start as through-hikers but many mail the extra o,g and h home at Neels to save weight.
Footslogger
01-30-2008, 15:28
This topic has generated 114 responses in only 3 hours?!?!?!:eek:
Wild Cowboy, you've been dethroned by Clured......
I'm so glad I have a job.............;)
==================================
Me thinks Wild Cowboy needs to check HIS error log ...
'Slogger
Sissygirl
01-30-2008, 15:29
Clured... why hang on to this like a dog with a prized bone? In this wonderful country with a language that(according to you) has been so totally screwed up already, you have the right, nay privilege, to spell it any way you please.
Should I ever get the chance and the nerve, I want to thru-hike with all my illiterate friends here at White Blaze!!!
Lone Wolf
01-30-2008, 15:30
"error, mary jo shoulda learned how to swim" said ted
Footslogger
01-30-2008, 15:31
Do error logs float ??
'Slogger
RadioFreq
01-30-2008, 15:32
I don't know about the rest of you but I'm thru with this thread.
(It had to be said.) :D
I like thru. Only in English would we spell a word as if it should be pronounced throwg and then pronounce it thru.
When I get through thru hikin I'm gonna sit down for a rest and take off my shough; I mean my shu; no, no, no, I mean my shoo. Dang it. Why is it spelled shoe? Whew, English is tuff, or is it tough.
I musta sat on the error log two long.
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 15:35
Cha-Ching!
Is that a word your administrators taught you?
Clured is just plain wrong in my dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=thru-hiker)
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 15:44
Woodsy isn't a real word either.
Rockhound
01-30-2008, 15:51
Just instituted. All through/thru hikers will be required to pass a spelling test before embarking on their journey.
Woodsy isn't a real word either.
:confused::confused::confused::confused:
It is too!
2. Woodsy http://static.urbandictionary.com/thumbsup.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29) 7 up, 3 down http://static.urbandictionary.com/thumbsdown.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29)
One who has spent a large portion of time in the woods or is overly familiar with the woods. See also sav (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sav)
While we were trying to get a cell signal this woodsy SOB started a fire and built a lean-to!
I'd be fine with "throu-hike" too.
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 15:56
Nice work on that link.http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing002.gif
cant believe this was actually a thread.. sad, very sad....
Just instituted. All through/thru hikers will be required to pass a spelling test before embarking on their journey.
Shouldn't journey be pluralized?
cant believe this was actually a thread.. sad, very sad....
Evidently it brings you no solace? :rolleyes:
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 16:00
Shouldn't journey be pluralized?
I think you're right, better check with clured tho.
I'd be fine with "throu-hike" too.Ok, so add a vowel in the shape of an a$$hole and you're ok with it? That says a lot. :D
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 16:03
Ok, so add a vowel in the shape of an a$$hole and you're ok with it? That says a lot. :D
Ooch!! . . . I mean, ouch!!:D
I don't mind "thru".
"Nite" and "lite" drive me a little nuts sometimes.
I've also heard y'all might be changing "write" and "right" to "rite".
I'm not a total language snob, but that's getting a little whacked.
Nightwalker
01-30-2008, 16:10
Look out Weasel. You just ended a sentence with a preposition. Clured is really going to lose it now.
We all know that a preposition is a bad thing to end a sentence with. Where did you go to school at?
Alligator
01-30-2008, 16:10
Liten up Jak.
Nightwalker
01-30-2008, 16:12
I don't mind "thru".
"Nite" and "lite" drive me a little nuts sometimes.
Get him, Jan!
Blue Jay
01-30-2008, 16:25
cant believe this was actually a thread.. sad, very sad....
This is the ultimate late January hiking thread.
I don't mind "thru".
"Nite" and "lite" drive me a little nuts sometimes.
I've also heard y'all might be changing "write" and "right" to "rite".
I'm not a total language snob, but that's getting a little whacked.
Ah ha! The sympathizers (almost?) come out of the woodwork!
Ok, so add a vowel in the shape of an a$$hole and you're ok with it? That says a lot. :D
Not an a$$hole, just correct! It's not that I'm right and you're wrong, but that we're all wrong together. I use(d) "thru" too. I'm preaching to myself just as much as you.
Ah ha!
I believe that is correctly spelled Aha!
Not an a$$hole, just correct! It's not that I'm right and you're wrong, but that we're all wrong together. I use(d) "thru" too. I'm preaching to myself just as much as you.
Again, it's not incorrect to spell it as such. It's informal, sure, but it's not incorrect. The word thru is in the dictionary, and the term thru-hiker is in common usage in the hiking community and beyond. It's a proper way to use the term.
Just because you don't like it counts towards nothing. It's legit, whether you like it or not.
This is my first winter in the white blaze network. Is this what we do in order to help with the winter blues?
Will have to do.
The inhaled ayuh can also take on various meanings depending on the speed and nasal qualities of the speaker. I have had full conversations, that consisted of grunting. Can't waste words, might need them someday, don't you know.
Hmmm...Clured, are you "Grammar Coach" on trailforums? :)
Yeah, you're right. Let's stop the world so you can get off. I know it must be awfully difficult for you to live with such infantile behavior.
Not an a$$hole, just correct! It's not that I'm right and you're wrong, but that we're all wrong together. I use(d) "thru" too. I'm preaching to myself just as much as you.Trust me, I don't need you to preach to me about using proper English, nor do I need you to correct me. I'm an educated man, as are many others here on this forum, so don't belive us to be ignorant to the proper use of our language. My point is that people are going to use the term thru-hike, like it or not. If you don't like it, then don't use it. But please don't presume it's your place to censor our use of it, whether spoken or otherwise. Do yourself a favor and get off your high horse, it's not flattering to you at all.
Trust me, I don't need you to preach to me about using proper English, nor do I need you to correct me. I'm an educated man, as are many others here on this forum, so don't belive us to be ignorant to the proper use of our language. My point is that people are going to use the term thru-hike, like it or not. If you don't like it, then don't use it. But please don't presume it's your place to censor our use of it, whether spoken or otherwise. Do yourself a favor and get off your high horse, it's not flattering to you at all.
Hooch, calm down. I'm not ordering anyone to do anything. I know you and many others are extremely educated; I know that you know that "thru" stands for "through," and that you use "thru" out of convention, not out of ignorance. I know. And I don't actually expect anyone to agree with me. I'm not "censoring" you. I just have an opinion, just as you do.
And it's not just "thru." I'm incredibly ambivalent about GoLite products because I love their packs (I carried at Jam last summer), but I HATE it that they spell "light" as "lite." It's dumb, gimmicky, and it vaguely offends me. English is beautiful and sublime, and I think it's a bit insulting to make these changes. It's like, "Oh, we know you're so stupid that you don't know how to pronounce "light," so we're going to transform it into the simplest possible phonetic approximation."
Someone has their eggs in a bundle over a silly thing really, why don't you focus your energy on something productive, like going for a hike, or even a walk.
Kirby
...like going for a hike, or even a walk.
Kirby
Kirby:
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? My co-workers and I talk about this all the time.
Someone has their eggs in a bundle over a silly thing really, why don't you focus your energy on something productive, like going for a hike, or even a walk.
KirbyDamn good idea. Day hike planned for tomorrow. :D Hands washed of this entire thread. The end.
Kirby:
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? My co-workers and I talk about this all the time.
When my civilian friends make a big deal about my hikes and I get embarrassed, I always say "the little known fact is that it's really just walking"
Kirby:
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? My co-workers and I talk about this all the time.
A walk does not require expensive equipment from gear companies? :D
Kirby:
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? My co-workers and I talk about this all the time.
That's a good question. I tend to think of walking in relation to walking around the town/city, or walking in your local park.
I usually look at hiking as involving mountains, but that goes out the window when thru hikers hit long portions of trail that are flat, or are thru hiking in general.
Something I will think about over the coming days, and will try to come up with a better answer.
Kirby
I walk on flat terain, and hike up and down hills that sometimes require using my hands.
Curious how your co-workers break on this.
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 17:53
A walk does not require expensive equipment from gear companies? :D
Nor an internet site.:banana Or is that a sight? :D
Nor an internet site.:banana Or is that a sight? :D
What a site/sight this thread has turned into... ;)
(WB is preserving my sanity today..bad day at work. Bleech...)
The Cheat
01-30-2008, 17:59
What a site/sight this thread has turned into... ;)
(WB is preserving my sanity today..bad day at work. Bleech...)
Darn, didn't catch myself. Here's what I should have said:
Begora! By internet I of course meant interconnected network. Just clarifying.
(WB is preserving my sanity today..bad day at work. Bleech...)
Ditto.
1234567890
A walk does not require expensive equipment from gear companies? :D
It's a closely held secret that only a few of us know, so don't spread it around, but neither does a hike.
Weary
Nightwalker
01-30-2008, 18:16
Someone has their eggs in a bundle over a silly thing really, why don't you focus your energy on something productive, like going for a hike, or even a walk.
Kirby
Headed out tonight, a day later than intended. Winter doesn't mean you can't hike, y'all!
Difference between a walk and a hike: a hike involves a pack. My stoopy definition. :)
Hmmm...Clured, are you "Grammar Coach" on trailforums? :)
Grammar Coach was here not long ago:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30596
Where's Matthewski when you need him?
To me, to use the term "thru-hike" would denote a treck. To use the term "through hike" would denote that my hike has ended as in I'm through hiking.
Now I would be most pleased to change the term I use from "thru-hike" to "through hike" provided that sustainability can be maintained, however, I don't think I can do that under 30 days, unsupported.
:confused: OOPS - been reading too many threads on WB :eek: Really NEED to go hiking :D
Rockhound
01-30-2008, 18:28
Q. When will you be thru-hiking? A. March through August. Q. When will you be through hiking? A. I just told you. August
john gault
01-30-2008, 18:35
I can't believe BS threads like this get this many posts, not to mention the short period of time it's been active. Makes me wonder how many cyberhiking nonhikers are on this website. Why can't threads like this one (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32264) get this many hits?
Alligator
01-30-2008, 18:43
I can't believe BS threads like this get this many posts, not to mention the short period of time it's been active. Makes me wonder how many cyberhiking nonhikers are on this website. Why can't threads like this one (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32264) get this many hits?Because you can only answer that thread's question once.
The Weasel
01-30-2008, 18:50
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb. I say it/write it all the time. I'm just observing that it is incorrect, and that it can be more than a little embarrassing to use the term with people that know nothing about the AT.
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Clured ---
First, you're not really making the best impression here, I don't think. You tell us that we use a word incorrectly (we don't; it's our word, and words get created all the time); then you say that trail names are "a little dumb" (maybe New York would be nicer if people had city names), and then you say that you're embarassed about the AT's language traditions.
Let me suggest something: Learn to spell the word "humility" and then use if - correctlyh - in a sentence. It means the same thing on the AT as it does in New York City.
TW
Jack Tarlin
01-30-2008, 19:00
Geez, Clured, and you thought MAPS were useless?
Um, compared to the value and worth of this thread, maps are solid gold. :D
CrumbSnatcher
01-30-2008, 19:05
i always hear people say they need to finish thier hikes so they can become thru-hikers. the trail conference told me if you start the trail with the intention of hiking the whole trail you are a thruhiker. even if you dont finish you still thruhike that year. example(if i went out say this year2008, and hiked only to hiawassee, i still thruhiked in 2008.) and the a.t.c. wants no compitition between section hikers and thru-hikers. so when you finish your hike wheter section or thru, you become a 2000 miler. what do you think about that.
I'm glad to see that there is a healthy intolerance for... intolerance.
Kirby:
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? My co-workers and I talk about this all the time.Great question. I use different terms for different occassions. It mostly has to do with my midset at the time. Some of my favourites, in ascending order of earnestness and composure:
1. Trudge
2. Walk
3. Hike
4. Trek
Trudging is best done in snow or rain or both, with a heavy burden, both physical and the other sort. Love a good trudge now and then. Walking is more casual, and the terrain should be reasonably level or rolling. Hiking requires a little more determination. Hills help. A trek usually involves a challenging hike that you are doing for the first time. Pretence is optional, but inevitably tags along for the first few miles, or days, whether invited or not, and is always waiting when I get back.
Great question. I use different terms for different occassions. It mostly has to do with my midset at the time. Some of my favourites, in ascending order of earnestness and composure:
1. Trudge
2. Walk
3. Hike
4. Trek
Trudging is best done in snow or rain or both, with a heavy burden, both physical and the other sort. Love a good trudge now and then. Walking is more casual, and the terrain should be reasonably level or rolling. Hiking requires a little more determination. Hills help. A trek usually involves a challenging hike that you are doing for the first time. Pretence is optional, but inevitably tags along for the first few miles, or days, whether invited or not, and is always waiting when I get back.
What? No sauntering? :confused:
What? No sauntering? :confused:
It is a great art to saunter.
--Thoreau
Sauntering is good. Rather light hearted trudging, when you can't afford the misery.
From a Knight's Tale:
William: Oi sir, what are you doing?
Chaucer: Uh... trudging. You know, trudging?
[pause]
Chaucer: To trudge: the slow, weary, depressing yet determined walk of a man who has nothing left in life except the impulse to simply soldier on.
William: Uhhh... were you robbed?
Chaucer: [laughs] Funny really, yes, but at the same time a huge resounding no. It's more of an... involuntary vow of poverty... really.
Rambling is another good one. Something I can do just as well on-line as on-trail. ;)
What about tramping? Anyone go tramping lately? Or did that fade in the early 20th century?
Skidsteer
01-30-2008, 19:31
What about tramping? Anyone go tramping lately? Or did that fade in the early 20th century?
I haven't gone tramping since I got married. I swear.
What about tramping? Anyone go tramping lately? Or did that fade in the early 20th century?
This quote was stolen from Weary:
It is a gentle art; know how to tramp and you know how to live....
The camel groans, the soldier grouses, but the tramp puts ever something more into his
capacious rucksack for pleasure or profit... his danger is putting in too much and
not putting in the right things....
--Stephen Graham, THE GENTLE ART OF TRAMPING
AlwaysHiking
01-30-2008, 19:34
What about tramping? Anyone go tramping lately? Or did that fade in the early 20th century?
Some still do: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4433
:)
Rambling is another good one. Something I can do just as well on-line as on-trail. ;)
I ramble online, on trail...and some people would say too much in person. :)
The day is almost done..yeah...
"ambling" is nice...Someone mentioned rambling, but I like ambling along...and what does "blaze the trail" really mean? I always wondered. And then there's my favorite, my kids sometimes say this to me, "mom, take a hike!" Literally or figuratively? :) Life is good.
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 19:50
Anyone ever sashay the length of the trail?? Besides Spittenpigen - that is.http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/basic/bop.gif
Anyone ever sashay the length of the trail?? Besides Spittenpigen - that is.http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/basic/bop.gif
(laughing) I love it! Sashay, that would be a great trail name.
Don't forget the term 'Bushwhack" thats right, with a h in it. I like bushwhacking, making it from point A to B without a sissy trail
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 19:56
Don't forget the term 'Bushwhack" thats right, with a h in it. I like bushwhacking, making it from point A to B without a sissy trail
Oh, I thought that meant something else.:rolleyes::o
Oh, I thought that meant something else.:rolleyes::o
Note the 'h', thats what differentiates it from what you're thinking:rolleyes:
I do some trapesing (sp?)too:p
(laughing) I love it! Sashay, that would be a great trail name.
This guy danced (part) of the trail. Sashayed it if you will...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_20010926/ai_53501108
And with that I am through discussing the spelling of "thru" for the day. I plan on cooking a light dinner while I pack for a trip that will be using my GoLite pack.
I have to go grocery shopping as well. I may buy some condiments. Probably not ketchup as I do not like catsup all that much.
The other day in the store I did see leftover Chanukah candles. I am not Jewish, but Hanukkah can be a fun holiday with all the yummy food.
Some of the boxes were grey and had gray candles.
Well, that's enough. No more to write. I'll be going right now.
Ciao! I have to buy some food to chow on.
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 20:03
Note the 'h', thats what differentiates it from what you're thinking:rolleyes:
I do some trapesing (sp?)too:p
Nope, the h didn't help. Still thinking the same thing.
Originally Posted by clured http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=517437#post517437)
ALL of my advisors have marked "thru-hike" as an incorrect colloquialism
Oooh, now I understand. Well, you just need to define your terms. At the first instance of the term, set a footnote to indicate that this is a hiker jargon contraction of through hike, and all is fine. You can even note that back packers have many such terms, and include a short lexicon.
Didn't know you were a grad student. You gotta play the game, then play it smart!
River Runner
01-30-2008, 20:07
Lots of hikers start as through-hikers but many mail the extra o,g and h home at Neels to save weight.
Now that's funny right there. :D
I'm trying to figure out why this thread isn't in the humor section...
Oh well, I'm thru with lite reading for the nite .... :D
That is funny. I missed it on my first few sashays through this thread.
Clured ---
First, you're not really making the best impression here, I don't think. You tell us that we use a word incorrectly (we don't; it's our word, and words get created all the time); then you say that trail names are "a little dumb" (maybe New York would be nicer if people had city names), and then you say that you're embarassed about the AT's language traditions.
Let me suggest something: Learn to spell the word "humility" and then use if - correctlyh - in a sentence. It means the same thing on the AT as it does in New York City.
TW
What is arrogant about my posts? I love hikers, and I love the hiking community. Trust me, I can't stand urbanite cityfolk; I'm surrounded by them, and they are all boring, fakely-polite, and completely lacking in vitality. I like hikers because they speak their minds.
It just irks me that I have to explain "thru-hike," and respond to the catty little brow-raise, every time it crops up on paper. Never thought this would explode like it has. I mean, its just a matter of spelling..?
Jack Tarlin
01-30-2008, 20:25
Clured:
You like it when hikers speak their minds?
Great. Maybe you'll like this:
This is one of the stupidest threads to appear on this website in recent memory. You REALLY need to find something worthier to get upset about.
Clured,
I think your post was good natured, as are all the attacks against it.
Even The Weasel.
For the record, I love all things vernacular. I wish there was more variation from one end of the trail than the other. As much as we gain from this shrinking world we also lose something in the process. There will always be some variety and discord however, nature sees to that, and I like to think that in our own small way The Weasel and I contribute to that as much as anyone else. ;)
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 20:32
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Clured,
I think your post was good natured, as are all the attacks against it.
. ;)
'Good natured' wouldn't have stirred this much response. The thread starter was insipid and aloof.
Negative energy.
Well I like to think it was good natured anyway.
Gray Blazer
01-30-2008, 20:39
Clured, let me sum up what we have been telling you. Don't let your advisors turn you into a sheeple. College professors can be wrong. Actually, they would be happy to have an intelligent argument from their students. They prolly get really tired of when they correct their students and the students just look back at them and say, "Baaaaa." We've inadvertantly (or possibly on purpose) given you the ammunition (dare I say ammo?) to go into their offices and show them that you are not a spineless jellyfish. You are (or will be).....a THRU-HIKER.
I read a paper years ago that explained that language evolves in the playground, not in the classroom. It covered this case study in Hawaii, years ago, where kids from different backgrounds and mother tongues developed their own "pidgin english", which was not just a mix of different language and constructs, but it actually developed into a language of its own, complete with its own rules and structures. It was years ago that I read it, and I am an engineer not a linguist, but I thought it was very interesting at the time and it stuck with me.
warraghiyagey
01-30-2008, 20:53
I read a paper years ago that explained that language evolves in the playground, not in the classroom. It covered this case study in Hawaii, years ago, where kids from different backgrounds and mother tongues developed their own "pidgin english", which was not just a mix of different language and constructs, but it actually developed into a language of its own, complete with its own rules and structures. It was years ago that I read it, and I am an engineer not a linguist, but I thought it was very interesting at the time and it stuck with me.
In pidgin, along with the new word forms, I found that the most drastic difference was inflection. It's actually enjoyable to listen to, there's a peaceful innocence to it.
_terrapin_
01-30-2008, 21:10
I read a paper years ago that explained that language evolves in the playground, not in the classroom. It covered this case study in Hawaii, years ago, where kids from different backgrounds and mother tongues developed their own "pidgin english", which was not just a mix of different language and constructs, but it actually developed into a language of its own, complete with its own rules and structures. It was years ago that I read it, and I am an engineer not a linguist, but I thought it was very interesting at the time and it stuck with me.
If you're interested in the subject of languages, and for what it's worth, Bill Bryson has two excellent non-fiction books about the English language. (Made In America, and The Mother Tongue.) The former is about the evolution of the language in the USA, the latter about its earlier evolution in England.
The Weasel
01-30-2008, 21:23
What is arrogant about my posts? I love hikers, and I love the hiking community. Trust me, I can't stand urbanite cityfolk; I'm surrounded by them, and they are all boring, fakely-polite, and completely lacking in vitality. I like hikers because they speak their minds.
It just irks me that I have to explain "thru-hike," and respond to the catty little brow-raise, every time it crops up on paper. Never thought this would explode like it has. I mean, its just a matter of spelling..?
Well, Clured, just tell all those boring, catty, fakely polite, and completely nonvital people that you're a hiker - yes, a "thru-hiker" and if they don't like the way you spell it, (a) they should stop all their boring, catty, fakely polite and nonvital spelling changes since English became written, and start using Chaucer, or at least Ben Jonson (who couldn't even spell his own name, for cryin' out loud!), (b) that you can't stand them - yeah, say it right to their faces, man! - sicne they are boring, catty and so on; and (c) they are boring, catty, fakely nonvital or whatever it is and you're a soul-brother of Wolf, so, "Hey, boring, catty, et cetera people, your FOS."
Then stop being irritated that you have to explain something to the ignorant, and ignore them. It's not "thru hikers" fault that they can't spell.
Sheesh. By the way, it irritated me having to correct your grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation, but I still love you, even if you surround yourself with boring, catty...well, you get the idea. Maybe. :rolleyes:
TW
If you're interested in the subject of languages, and for what it's worth, Bill Bryson has two excellent non-fiction books about the English language. (Made In America, and The Mother Tongue.) The former is about the evolution of the language in the USA, the latter about its earlier evolution in England.Thanks for that. I saw a documentary on PBS once that explained that the majot dialects in North America tended to form along the major river systems. The Canadian accent is tied in with the Ohio river valley. The Maritime accent is different than this, but is largely influenced by it, and that of the Boston states. Newfoundland is a different think altogether. I am not sure what folks in Ohio sound like, but folks in Wisconsin and the Upper Penninsula sound very Canadian to me, but with some additional strong influences from German settlers and so on.
Thanks for that. I saw a documentary on PBS once that explained that the majot dialects in North America tended to form along the major river systems. The Canadian accent is tied in with the Ohio river valley. ...
Typical maritimer. Canadian! There are actually a number of distinguishable variants in Ontario alone, and Montreal English is different again. I am a native Montrealer, and SouthWest Ontario English is a lot more American than my birth tongue. Then by the time you get to Victoria, you're practically back in England somewhere. Don't know where Albertans come from. And don't forget all the aboriginal accents and dialects. I think those are becoming more original, like Indian English. Which brings us to the immigrant variants.
However, the great levelers are university, US TV and the CBC.
River Runner
01-30-2008, 21:55
Trust me, I can't stand urbanite cityfolk; I'm surrounded by them, and they are all boring, fakely-polite, and completely lacking in vitality.
And the sort of person who would through hike instead of thru-hike? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/char152.gif
I like thru. Only in English would we spell a word as if it should be pronounced throwg and then pronounce it thru.
When I get through thru hikin I'm gonna sit down for a rest and take off my shough; I mean my shu; no, no, no, I mean my shoo. Dang it. Why is it spelled shoe? Whew, English is tuff, or is it tough.
I musta sat on the error log two long.
When you complete your throug you can pop the cork on a bottle of shampagnee.
Darwin again
01-30-2008, 22:01
Clured is to trolls as cheese is to _________.
:rolleyes:
Typical maritimer. Canadian! There are actually a number of distinguishable variants in Ontario alone, and Montreal English is different again. I am a native Montrealer, and SouthWest Ontario English is a lot more American than my birth tongue. Then by the time you get to Victoria, you're practically back in England somewhere. Don't know where Albertans come from. And don't forget all the aboriginal accents and dialects. I think those are becoming more original, like Indian English. Which brings us to the immigrant variants.
However, the great levelers are university, US TV and the CBC.LOL.
And what is England? Depends on what town they came from, and when they came from. It's a great big wonderful tree eh.
Get him, Jan!
As long as you don't "loose" your temper. :datz
Clured is to trolls as cheese is to _________.
:rolleyes:_________ holes?
RadioFreq
01-30-2008, 23:20
And so another interesting day on WB comes to an end. After a long day
of pounding the keyboards the various combatants have taken their vitamin I
in the hopes that their carpal tunnel will not flare up with the sunrise.
Peace and quiet descends upon one and all.
Here's hoping you and yours make it safely thru...I mean threw...I mean....DAMN!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7CclVneVpw&feature=related :D
I can't believe I red this hole thread.
Clured:
You like it when hikers speak their minds?
Great. Maybe you'll like this:
This is one of the stupidest threads to appear on this website in recent memory. You REALLY need to find something worthier to get upset about.
Cheers, Mr. Tarlin. The more straight talk, the better.
SGT Rock
01-30-2008, 23:58
Counter proposal: Lets leave it as is. Who votes for that?
foggy-bottom
01-31-2008, 00:27
this is stupid... I cant even believe i wasted my time reading this thread. why do some people like to sit their and bi**h about every little thing. So the ***** what we say thru- hiker get the hell over.
I'm with SRG
mweinstone
01-31-2008, 00:31
this thread starts with the word NOW. right there im turnned off. now, my name is mat.
warraghiyagey
01-31-2008, 01:08
, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Counter proposal: Lets leave it as is. Who votes for that?
I agree with ya Sarge but isn't her proposal so refreshingly condescending?
River Runner
01-31-2008, 02:01
I agree with ya Sarge but isn't her proposal so refreshingly condescending?
So are you saying Clured (whose profile lists a first name of Dave) is a she? :eek:
Two Speed
01-31-2008, 06:27
So are you saying Clured (whose profile lists a first name of Dave) is a she? :eek:Can't say for sure from here, but if clured's a guy he sure is letting his inner woman out to "play," ain't he?
Here's a test of the ough sound in Britanese. I use thru myself; think of the reams of paper saved.
http://www.british-blc.com/academy2/activities/adv_l4_ough.htm
Geez, Clured, and you thought MAPS were useless?
Um, compared to the value and worth of this thread, maps are solid gold. :D
Must be a thousand pictures are worth less than a word...
warraghiyagey
01-31-2008, 09:28
So are you saying Clured (whose profile lists a first name of Dave) is a she? :eek:
Hmmm. I guess I don't really know. Uh oh, will I be in trouble with him/her for assuming?
What's the difference between a walk and a hike?
One opinion, buried in http://www.satc-hike.org/paoutdoors.html
"Hiking is a human’s most direct experience with our Earth. If people walk strictly for exercise they might walk around the track, the block, or maybe the neighborhood park. Hikers differ from walkers because they want the different sense of place, a momentary change and alteration in their senses through experiencing a different place."
SGT Rock
01-31-2008, 09:31
?
You didn't read:
bas·tard·ize http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/premium.gif http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pnghttp://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2 Fbastardize) /ˈbæshttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtərˌdaɪz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[bas-ter-dahyz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -ized, iz·ing.
"-ized" is a variation on the word. This is how dictionaries work; they list the root word, and then list variations.
Also, "The Cheat"? Really, Fhart?
Ender:
The thing is, it really is kind of an issue. Before and after my through-hike, lots of my friends asked stuff like, "What about all the rednecks out there?" "Have fun with hillbillies!" Of course it's ridiculous, but many, many people think of hikers as being stupid, uneducated, rednecks.
This really bothers me because I love hikers. I just think that things like "thru-hike" don't help to dispel these impressions.
I looked up the same site you did. Looks like thru is in a few dictionaries:
thru http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/premium.gif http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pnghttp://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2 Fthru)/θru/Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[throo]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation,
–preposition, adverb, adjective an informal, simplified spelling of through. (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=through)
I reckon that means you can use it since you can find it in the American Heritage Dictionary.
Sort of an odd thing to be anal about actually. I'd worry more about lay vs lie.
Now, I may just be a stickler, but I think "thru-hike" is really stupid. I hate it when English is bastardized, like "Toys are Us" (should be toys are we!) or "drive-thru," etc.
It makes us look illiterate and bum*****. I've been filling out applications for grants/fellowships through my school lately, and when I am asked for information about what I did last summer, I always end up writing "through-hiked" because "thru-hiked" looks so infantile.
So lets all agree to change?
Are you a student, do well in school. Are you an AT hiker? :-?:-?
If you are, the only thing bastardized is your approach to this. :bse
Now that's funny right there. :D
I'm trying to figure out why this thread isn't in the humor section...
Oh well, I'm thru with lite reading for the nite .... :D
LOL good one!
One opinion, buried in http://www.satc-hike.org/paoutdoors.html
"Hiking is a human’s most direct experience with our Earth. If people walk strictly for exercise they might walk around the track, the block, or maybe the neighborhood park. Hikers differ from walkers because they want the different sense of place, a momentary change and alteration in their senses through experiencing a different place."
I like that! Thanks Pete!
WalkinHome
01-31-2008, 23:44
Well, I think they are a little dumb.. New York City is more dangerous than the AT, and we dont have city-names..
Why is everyone so angry? I'm not calling people that say "thru-hike" dumb. I say it/write it all the time. I'm just observing that it is incorrect, and that it can be more than a little embarrassing to use the term with people that know nothing about the AT.
Surely not everyone at WB thinks exactly alike?
Why are you wasting your breath on people that know nothing about the AT? Get better friends. LOL
Why are you wasting your breath on people that know nothing about the AT? Get better friends. LOL
You way be on to something here..
warraghiyagey
01-31-2008, 23:57
You way be on to something here..
Or waybe not.
River Runner
02-01-2008, 00:16
One opinion, buried in http://www.satc-hike.org/paoutdoors.html
"Hiking is a human’s most direct experience with our Earth. If people walk strictly for exercise they might walk around the track, the block, or maybe the neighborhood park. Hikers differ from walkers because they want the different sense of place, a momentary change and alteration in their senses through experiencing a different place."
Nice - I like it.
River Runner
02-01-2008, 00:20
Can't say for sure from here, but if clured's a guy he sure is letting his inner woman out to "play," ain't he?
:confused: Not sure why you say that.
Stupidity doesn't seem to be limited to either males or females... :rolleyes: