I think putting words together should be fun. OK, I realize that not everyone is going to share the delight I derive from parallel construction. Perhaps I should even abandon my dream that, someday, everyone in the English-speaking world will appreciate the joys of suspensive hyphenation. But at least I can pass along some of the things I've learned about how to communicate well, gently suggest how to avoid being grammatically incorrect, and maybe even explain why so many things about the English language are so weird. Perhaps the following FAQ (frequently asked questions) and FGA (frequently given answers) will help explain:
Q. Why “artisanal”? Because all the cool stuff today is artisanal. But how can grammar be artisanal? Because grammar is cool, and all the cool stuff today is artisanal. OK, now you’re just begging the question. I’m impressed that you know the original usage of “begging the question.” So I’ll let you in on the secret: It’s a joke. Well, partly a joke. So many grammarians — even some of my friends — come across as overbearing grammar snobs, pouncing on the slightest error and insisting that everyone in the world must STOP YOUR STUPIDITY RIGHT THIS MINUTE OR ELSE! That’s no way to win friends and influence people’s word usage. So The Artisanal Grammarian offers kinder, gentler advice about grammar, usage, punctuation, syntax, and style — handcrafted to fit the needs of today’s busy grammar consumers. The name is supposed to be ironically pompous (in the “verbal irony” sense of irony). Get it? Uh, sure. Handcrafted and pompous. In a verbally ironic way. Whatever you say. Thank you.
