In light of my previous entry, I’ve got a bone to pick with nearly every American English dictionary in existence. For the love of everything that is bright and shiny, the holiday we celebrate toady is “Mothers’ Day”, in honor of all mothers. If we wanted to honor one mother (Mother Teresa, perhaps?), it would be “Mother’s Day” (or, more accurately, “Mother Teresa’s Day”). Plural subjects require a plural possessive, people.
Now, I was already thoroughly disgusted by this blatant misuse of my dear language, but then I stumbled across this recent article. Just like the singular possessive version of the holiday that celebrates mothers everywhere, having two mothers is also in strict violation of all natural and created laws governing mankind (or is that “womankind”?). Oddly enough, the author of the article never mentions how she and her “partner” came to be mothers in the first place.
Note: Intrepid readers and stalkers of mine who frequent this site will remember that I wrote “Mother’s Day” back in 2004. This was most likely an unfortunate lapse of judgment, and the responsible parties have been flogged.
I suppose I’m guilty of writing “Mother’s Day.” But I only have one mother to honor on that particular day, so I think it’s just fine to leave it like that. However, as to your use of the word “toady” in the first paragraph…
Gah! I’m an idiot. As I said above, the responsible parties have been flogged.