h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

DMT, a word of warning - don't argue with me on lyrics, I'm inclined to get nasty.

I'm keeping these because they happen to have considerable personal significance.

As regards 'et al', I don't think it has such a specific meaning, certainly not to the reader. Think of all the scientific papers written by "Dr. Hugo Ferst et al". The reader's not expected to list those names, is he?

B

"As regards 'et al', I don't think..."

Whatever you say.

... the thing is, "Dr Hugo Fearst et al." implies that the list is finite and definite. "Gary Kemp et al." implies a subjective and indefinite list (unless it is Spandau Ballet specific), which I believe is incorrect usage of 'et al.'

Regarding the lyric, I maintain my position that the lyric from Sultans of Swing has more relevance ... it's the opening of your Entry. The first verse of Sultans of Swing opens the door top Dire Straits' commercial success.

But I bow to your esteemed eppaulettes of course, oh badged-one.

- esteemed epaulettes, indeed!

http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=et%20al

No mention of a finite list, there. 'Et al' = 'Et alii' = 'And others'

As for lyrics - if I can't personalise my entries, I'm not going to write them any more.
B

Bah humbug

According to the Bloomsbury Good Word Guide, "et al." '... should be used only when a list is specific ...'.

Well, it is specific - it includes every member of every band that was New Romantic. It's just that I can't name them all.

B

The sub-Ed will sort it out.

B

Evidently not. No sub-Ed will sort anything out.

F48874?thread=221789&latest=1

It seems A311031 is good enough for H2G2, so A864858 can go whistle ... cue Local Hero.

Only if I have convinced you that 'et al' is inappropriate here will i be satisfied that my time hasn't been wasted.

Updates seem to be back in vogue. Go on 'B., have another go.

Jimi popped round last week to say that this is next on his list.

B

I know that you pooh poohed Mark Knopfler's post Dire Straits stuff, however surely his woderful stuff with Chet Atkins, 'Neck and Neck' ought to be mentioned.

For 'wodeful' read 'wonderful'.

That is indeed an incredibly bad typo - I assume Jimi will pick it out in the wash.

B