The singular "Baby" without an article in front of it.
As in "Toys for Baby." Shouldn't it be "Toys for the baby" or "Toys for your baby" or "Toys for babies?"
You wouldn't say "Toys for Dog."

Originally Posted by Spinymouse:
The singular "Baby" without an article in front of it.
As in "Toys for Baby." Shouldn't it be "Toys for the baby" or "Toys for your baby" or "Toys for babies?"
You wouldn't say "Toys for Dog."

I so totally, undeniably agree.... I can't believe I forgot that one!

Not really a peeve, but:

EXcept: you are X-ing something out. "I like all colors on myself except neon green."

ACCept: think of the two c's as enclosing something, drawing something in. "I've finally begun to accept my mother-in-law as a permanent part of my life."

Originally Posted by Spinymouse:
The singular "Baby" without an article in front of it.
As in "Toys for Baby."

I think that used to be a common usage long ago, but except for fossilized "x for baby" constructions and speaking directly to the baby it's very dated now. Once in a while Turner Classic Movies shows a one-reel silent comedy centering on a colicky baby, and in the dialogue cards you see lots of references to 'call the doctor, baby isn't feeling well' or even 'I don't know what's bothering son'

It just seems odd to me when people say: "I drank my water." or "I can't give up my milk!"...I mean, where is the water coming from that they are drinking? Are they lactating, expressing the milk and then drinking it (making it *their* milk)?

Why state it is *their* food or drink? Do they think that they need to clarify because perhaps someone may think they are eating and drinking things that belong to someone else?

:lol:

Soulbliss,
I'm not sure, but I think that construction is pure country. You hear it all the time here in Virginia, as in, "Ummm, umm. I sure do love MY tomatoes!" Of course, they are referring to any tomatoes, not necessarily ones they've grown. Or worse, "I sure do love me some tomaters... ummm!"

When used in speech, I find these country constructions to be rather charming, although I wouldn't want my students to use them in their writing.

Yes, I have heard those phrases used in those ways too, and it can be endearing when said with a drawl, but I also see and hear people from all over use those expressions! :lol:

Yikes. Yes, it's only endearing in the correct setting and coming from a genuine country boy (or gal).

Yeah, that "me" thing doesn't so much annoy me as amuse me. "I'm gonna take me a bath." Well, who ELSE'S bath could you possibly take?

I think the Gerber slogan is "Anything for Baby."

There's got to be a way to combine these two peeves. I'm thinking.

I love me my baby! :lol:

:rofl: Love it!! And I'm pretty sure I've heard it before too!

OK, this pet peeve has already been mentioned, but it bugs me too (I've also been guilty of this in the past): When people don't read an entire thread and post. If they read the entire thread, they would realize what the thread was really about, because sometimes titles can be misleading.

Originally Posted by phantastica:
OK, this pet peeve has already been mentioned, but it bugs me too (I've also been guilty of this in the past): When people don't read an entire thread and post. If they read the entire thread, they would realize what the thread was really about, because sometimes titles can be misleading.

Or, the OP may shed more light on the original topic/question.

:lol: I think things like, "I'm gonna take me a bath!" are so cute. People down here also say things like, "I love me some _____insert what you love here_____" I've started doing it, too :o Before I moved down here, I always used correct grammar, but all these rednecks and country folk got me slippin'! ;)

At the risk of hijacking the thread :o -- I thought Arkansas had Rednecks and country folks and Florida had Swamp people.