Chapter 2 Word Choice
125
flammable/inflammable, gauntlet/gantlet
"Flammable" and "inflammable" both mean "easily ignited" or
"combustible."
v
That hair-sprayed do is highly FLAMMABLE.
v
We don't want INFLAMMABLE solvents anywhere near here.
But Mrs. B suggests, for the sake of clarity, you use only
FLAMMABLE.
Too many people think that if "flammable" means "easily ignited,"
then "inflammable" must mean "not flammable" or "incombustible."
Plus, FLAMMABLE is a lot easier to say.
"Gauntlet" and "gantlet" also mean the same thing.
v
You may throw down the GAUNTLET or throw down the
GANTLET.
Either way you'll be offering a challenge, which in medieval times
was done by throwing down a glove or gauntlet (or gantlet).
v
You may pick up the GAUNTLET or pick up the GANTLET.
They both mean you're ready to take the challenge.
v
You may run the GAUNTLET or run the GANTLET.
Either way, you'll run between two lines of people who beat you.
v
And if you make it across the Rio Grande and the canal, you
must still run the GAUNTLET or the GANTLET of traffic on
I-10.
