06-26-2011, 03:46 AM
Yes! Amid the undergrowth and overgrowth and highways and by-ways of English grammar and usage, previously long-thought extinct animals, of the genus Vocative, have been unearthed!
The first example found, scampering all over the town, is 'Babes'. You may refer to a person a 'babe' but you cannot refer to them as 'babes', save when addressing them. A Vocative has therefore been snared!
Hot on the heels of this amazing discovery was the stunning revelation, which may not be clear to non-British people (indeed, non-London people) was 'Ducks'. It is a term of endearment which somehow came to be used to address perfect strangers, so that the woman who sold me newspapers, would address me as 'Ducks'. Yet she could not have said 'Ducks said this', since, again, it may only b used when addressing someone.
Since words are our tools, I felt this deserved an airing. Can anyone think of more Vocatives?
The first example found, scampering all over the town, is 'Babes'. You may refer to a person a 'babe' but you cannot refer to them as 'babes', save when addressing them. A Vocative has therefore been snared!
Hot on the heels of this amazing discovery was the stunning revelation, which may not be clear to non-British people (indeed, non-London people) was 'Ducks'. It is a term of endearment which somehow came to be used to address perfect strangers, so that the woman who sold me newspapers, would address me as 'Ducks'. Yet she could not have said 'Ducks said this', since, again, it may only b used when addressing someone.
Since words are our tools, I felt this deserved an airing. Can anyone think of more Vocatives?