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A noun that is formed from a verb and which describes an action. In English it ends in -ing, eg 'the baking of bread' and 'Smoking damages your health'.

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Scotch Gents This Way

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Posted by Tom on 18th November, 2007

Ignoring the apostrophe abuse, left is the new down in Edinburgh.

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5 Comments »

1. Perhaps it was an intentional mistake but Scotch is a drink, Scots are people from Scotland.

   Comment by Anonymous — 18th November, 2007 @ 7:04 pm

2. Not strictly true, Anonymous. Scotch is an adjective meaning from Scotland, albeit a pejorative one when referring to inhabitants. Are you Scottish, Anonymous? If you are then I understand your objection.

   Comment by Gez — 19th November, 2007 @ 1:26 pm

3. I was hoping more for a “oops, typo” rather than a “Yup, we’re using archaic derogatory language on a blog about grammar”.But, of course I’m Scottish, why else would I object?

   Comment by Anonymous — 20th November, 2007 @ 11:10 am

4. I can’t speak for Tom, who wrote the entry, but I met a man in a pub in Edingborough (I think his name was Jock McTaggart) who informed me that the Scotch loved to be referred to as such; apparently it reminds them how well looked after they are by British people.I jest.

   Comment by Gez — 20th November, 2007 @ 11:27 am

5. The use of ‘Scotch’ was encouraged by me, GrammarBlog’s Scotland correspondent, and my Scotch wife. It was used in complete irony as I know the ire it (Scotch) provokes.Interestingly, I have heard older Scotch folk refer to themselves as such, though I only use it as my Leodensian grandmother does, which I have always enjoyed.It’s Spanish referees the Scotch should be angry at right now, not grammar provocateurs.

   Comment by Dan — 20th November, 2007 @ 11:46 am

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