Thoughts on Erskine's thoughts . . .

**mrpharr** · 12th May 06, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by andyfg

Yes, it's quite short actually. There are a few foibles in the language, but it is worth it. You can see where we get a lot of our present ideas . . . length of kilt etc, but some interesting perspectives. He hates kilt pins and says they should never be worn!

OK, I need to understand how you are using foibles. I enjoy the English language and would like more info on your usage. Is it a weakness in the language? thanks.

**andyfg** · 15th May 06, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by mrpharr

OK, I need to understand how you are using foibles. I enjoy the English language and would like more info on your usage. Is it a weakness in the language? thanks.

I think I was meaning not so much minor weakness (the primary meaning of foible) but the secondary, derived thought of "little eccentricities." Erskine has a style which is at times little strange. In part, I think because of the change of English over the last 100 years, but also because he has some very fixed ideas, which seem quaint nowadays.