Page:Ralcy H. Bell - The Mystery of Words (1924).pdf/203

 a number of similar forms in current use. As we have seen, words and phrases regarded as atrocities to-day may pass into acceptable usage to-morrow.

Professor Brander Matthews of Columbia University says, as reported by the press: “I am a professor of English, and I use the word joint with a full appreciation of its meaning. A joint is a place where men, drunk or sober, are steered in to lose their money. Joint is a perfectly good word.” I have no doubt of Professor Matthews’ qualifications to speak authoritatively of joint, or of anything else under heaven, for that matter. But if the dear old professor only would be more gentle in the dispensing of his wisdom! Consider the plum-tree, how suavely it drops sweet fruit at your feet. Why should a professor follow the traditional method of a porcupine? We all know that slang is general in learned and polite society—the politer the society, the more slang is used. This professor also is reported to have said, “I don’t want to be put