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Barbara McClintock

The Language of Political Commentary: From Nadir to Zenith

Nadir
Nadir
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Jean-Paul Sartre, author of Huis Clos, wrote L’enfer, c’est les autres (Hell is other people). Maybe that’s true in a pandemic. However, in this period of social distancing and self-isolation, we still have the luxury of reading. In particular, I’m rereading the excellent book titled The Mother Tongue – English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson. Bryson writes that “English retains probably the richest vocabulary and most diverse shading of meanings, of any language.” He adds, “Despite this bounty of terms, we have a strange — and to foreigners it must seem maddening — tendency to load a single word with a galaxy of meanings” (pp. 68-69). These points hit the nail on the head with respect to political commentary. The best political commentary is marked by its wit, incisiveness and, yes, the richness of its vocabulary. It’s not the political aspect, but the writing aspect that I enjoy.

Did you know that “nadir” is the opposite of “zenith” in astronomy? Max Fawcett wrote in Chatelaine (“Do We…Like Doug Ford Now?”) recently that Premier Ford’s “dumpster-fire adjacent government” may have “reached its nadir,” or its lowest point, when Ontario’s new licence plates couldn’t be seen at night, adding “And remember: Ford’s family made its bones in the label business.” Here’s another interesting expression: “made its bones” means to establish one’s bona fides or make one’s name. Fawcett’s article emphasizes these negative points at the outset to highlight the premier’s transformation into “an inspirational national leader.”

In Maclean’s (In Doug Ford’s Ontario, Knowledge Is Sorrow”), Paul Wells wrote that the “Only way to deny purchase to an infectious disease is to give it fewer chances to infect.” The noun “purchase” in this context means a hold or position on something for applying power advantageously.

Other interesting expressions found in the above-mentioned articles:

  • A shock-and-awe rescue package. [Fawcett]
  • A tone-deaf approach. [Fawcett]
  • Drop our guard, and the scale of slaughter spirals higher. [Wells]
  • The delta between 3,000 and 100,000 dead is the difference between diligence and laxity. [Wells]
  • Handing out plaudits. [Fawcett]
  • Sparked howls of outrage. [Fawcett]

So, fellow language nerds, be sure to include political commentary on your reading list. And stay safe.

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Previous post from Barbara McClintock: The Singular “They” — Conjugations and Some Particularities

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Barbara McClintock

Barbara McClintock (she/her/elle), who is a certified translator not the Nobel prize winner, enjoys editing and revision in a bilingual context. She dabbles in writing because of her love for the English and French languages and her interest in bridging cultures.

2 Comments on “The Language of Political Commentary: From Nadir to Zenith”

  • The « interesting expressions » of our time are a sign of sloppy thinking. They should function as a red flag for any reader—and every editor.

    Writing about politicians has taken on features—and phrases—borrowed from tabloid journalism, « reality » TV, sports colour commentary and cheerleading. Sadly, reporting on science and health has also become saturated with the need to support (or vilify) politicians and their agendas. At one time, the journalist’s job might have been to inform readers of a diversity of opinions and the complexity of the science behind decisions about how best to manage a pandemic, for example.

    As much as these op ed pieces are disguised as journalism, this style of writing has passed beyond the need to report or inform. Instead, the job is to imply, infer (yes, both at once!) and entertain. They leave the reader’s search for meaning wide open to any interpretation.

    The bonus seems to be that media stories are as easy to write as they are to read.

    • Barbara McClintock

      says:

      I would rather read something that « pops » and is memorable than a list of straight facts, which is what you seem to prefer. A top journalist, such as Paul Wells, knows how to wield a pen. The point made in my blog is that op ed pieces are indeed entertaining, which is more difficult to achieve than you suggest.

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