Etiquette for Young Men

[EagleJCS]

Total side note : affect and effect are words that keep me on edge as to usage. I am never sure I have chosen the right one. My usage here is "to cause".

Not to derail this thread, but it may be related:
Proper use of the language (this would apply to any language, not just English) is a bug-a-boo of mine. Learning how to speak and write properly in one's native language can be just as important as learning table manners and other social etiquette. Sometimes, the written word is the only way people may get to know you. (This forum is a case in point).

I hear many people these days speaking the wrong words (usually near-homophones - words that sound similar - but they may add an extra consonant at the end). E.g. "That's a great ideal!" instead of "That's a great idea!".

I also see many people misusing words in a similar manner (some of them with college degrees!) in written communications. When I see this, I get embarrassed for them (and if they are sending something out representing the group I'm in, I'm sometimes embarrassed of them). When I was younger, I would sometimes send a private note or speak to the person in an attempt to educate/correct them, but was often rebuffed - probably out of embarrassment - so I no longer do so, unless it is a child still in school and still learning proper usage. The use of heterographs (words that sound alike but are spelled differently - e.g. to, too, and two) is another situation of which to be aware.

I'm not saying I'm Mr. Perfect - I do make mistakes from time to time, but I do at least make an attempt at determining what is proper for the message I'm trying to communicate, and gratefully acknowledge correction when it's offered.

[BrMac]

I am studying under a doctor that can't spell to save her life. I know she's incredibly smart, but her communication skills (including the spelling) are lacking, and it impacts how we view her.

The point raised earlier about cell phone etiquette is an important one. My generation bridged the gap between cordless phones being a big deal and having the world's wealth of knowledge in your pocket at any time. I don't need to be glued to my phone at all times, but I have classmates who instinctively (almost reflexively) stare at their phones if they're not directly addressing you.

[Cygnus]

Thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions! I don't think I'll have the leeway or time to delve deeply into grammar, spelling, etc., but I can at least stress their importance!

How to shine shoes, modes of address, and the proper greeting are all things I had completely overlooked but will now be sure to include. Grooming was one I'd considered, but I'm curious to know what specific things you would include (e.g., pull up your trousers, how to shave, how to iron a shirt).

I'm working on a list of learning objectives - I'll be sure to post them once they're ready for your review and for additional recommendations.

Thanks again!

[Father Bill]

Thanks Cygnus; this is fun!

[Calgacus]

...(and if they are sending something out representing the group I'm in, I'm sometimes embarrassed of them).

...I'm not saying I'm Mr. Perfect - I do make mistakes from time to time, but I do at least make an attempt at determining what is proper for the message I'm trying to communicate, and gratefully acknowledge correction when it's offered.

Hi John,

I'm not Mr. Perfect either, so pardon me for correcting you, but I think that should be "I'm sometimes embarrassed by them."

You can be ashamed of someone, or shamed by someone, but I am reasonably sure you can only be embarrassed by someone.

Being embarrassed of someone may however be an Americanism that I am unaware of, in which case I shall forgive you and bask in a mild glow of cultural superiority

[EagleJCS]

Hi John,

I'm not Mr. Perfect either, so pardon me for correcting you, but I think that should be "I'm sometimes embarrassed by them."

You can be ashamed of someone, or shamed by someone, but I am reasonably sure you can only be embarrassed by someone.

Being embarrassed of someone may however be an Americanism that I am unaware of, in which case I shall forgive you and bask in a mild glow of cultural superiority

Well, I am a Kentuckian! I've read that there are some Scots (not Gaidhlig nor Gaeilge) vocabulary, etc., that have found their way into the dialects of rural Kentucky and West Virginia. Perhaps that's where I picked it up??