surplus neckline/surplice neckline
Medieval priests in chilly Northern European churches wore an extra-large cassock over a fur-lined gown. This garment came to be known as a surplice (from Latin super pelliceum: “over fur”).
Even those few who might have heard of the priestly garment are not likely to make the connection when discussing the surplice neckline on women’s clothing because the secular women’s garment has an overlapping V-neck whereas most surplices worn in churches today have square or rounded necklines.
So it’s not surprising that a large number of people mistakenly refer to the women’s garment style as a “surplus neckline.” The only surplus involved in these items is the amount of flesh revealed by them.
___________
This week's entries feature selections from the revised and expanded third edition of Common Errors in English Usage—now available for pre-order on the William, James & Company Web site.
The cover price is $19, but enter the coupon code FIFTEEN to buy it for
the introductory price of $15 through the end of this year.
Read about the new edition on the Common Errors blog.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last).
As always, both editions come with free shipping within the US.
No comments:
Post a Comment