3 Quotes by Jean Aitchison

Word meanings are like stretchy pullovers, whose outline contour is visible, but whose detailed shape varies with use.

Purists behave as if there was a vintage year when language achieved a measure of excellence which we should all strive to maintain. In fact, there was never such a year. The language of Chaucer’s or Shakespeare’s time was no better and no worse than that of our own – just different.

Language change is not a disease, any more than adolescence, or autumn are illnesses.