If This Ain't The Funnest Lens I've Made....
....well, then I'm a dork.
But I just can't wrap my head around it. Funnest? No English teacher I ever had approved of that one. (Or its cousin, "funner," for that matter.) The red pen woulda come out fightin' mad.
Am I wrong, though? Some folks vehemently disagree with me, so I've decided to present this topic for some friendly dueling.
Yeah, you wanna fight about it? Bring it on, oh most funnest ones!
First, Let's Take A Simple Vote
to see where we stand on this most pressing issue....
Now, Wiktionary Says....
And I quote:
"Funnest is a regular superlative of the adjective fun. However, the use of fun as an adjective is itself still often seen as informal or casual and to be avoided in formal writing, and this would apply equally to the superlative form.
Merriam-Webster, however, gives fun as an adjective without comment, and states that funner and funnest are 'sometimes' used. Because of the remaining stigma, most fun may be preferred in formal writing."
Thank you, SherryHolderHunt, for bringing this Wiktionary entry to my attention.
And, ugh, ack! Blehk! Even Merriam-Webster Dictionary says:
Main Entry: fun
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sometimes fun·ner; sometimes fun·nest
Date: circa 1846
Noooooo! Not them too!
BUT Dictionary.com Says.....
"No results found for funnest:
Did you mean fun nest (in dictionary) or Fingest (in reference)?"
Ha!
And check out World Wide Words:
"What we're seeing here is language evolution in action. So the straightforward answer to your question is: yes, you can use these forms, and people are doing so increasingly often.
But if your question was really asking whether it is acceptable to use them in all circumstances, then I have to say firmly that, no, it isn't, not yet anyway. They are definitely informal and they should still be avoided when speaking or writing standard or formal English."
You did note the "should still be avoided" part, right? Okay, good.
A "Funnest" Discussion
Okay, Grammarians, Let's Duke It Out!
What Say You?
Is "funnest" a legitimate word?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byNo, it ain't! Not never! (That is, no.)
Jen says:
Bottom line, I would use the word "funnest" as a sort of "slang" word in my everyday language with friends, but knowing that it is not technically grammatically correct and that I should never use it in a term paper, thesis, or job interview because it makes me sound less educated.
Posted December 22, 2009
kikij says:
No way, "funnest" is definitely not a word!!! This is one of my husband's biggest pet peeves. Great lens, by the way. Also, thank you for commenting on my lens! I really appreciate it!!
Posted November 28, 2009
spunkyduckling says:
It's sounds illiterate to me and I've never used it or ever wll..hmm..but now I just can't get it out of my head. It's so childish too.
Posted November 16, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz says:
Funnest is definitely not a word. It is a word that little children use when they are beginning to speak but to express the idea you must say the most fun not funnest.
Posted November 02, 2009
WindyWinters says:
Um, No. Usually I say everything is too fun but not this word! It's no fun!
Posted September 17, 2009
JaguarJulie says:
Nope, not a legitimate word. Hmmm, I wonder if I've ever used it? Oh, is nerdhead a word? That's the captcha 'word' for today!
Posted August 19, 2009
Kylyssa says:
It may be a word but it certainly is not legitimate. Its parents never even met as far as I'm concerned.
I cringe every time I hear or see the words 'funnest' or 'funner' particularly coming from someone who ought to know better.
There are legitimate changes to the English language - words which describe new situations or come with linguistic shifts. However, I think 'funnest' fits with no linguistic shift aside from the new casual acceptance of terrible grammar.
Shall we also allow 'loose' to mean 'lose' and 'there' to be interchangeable with 'their' while we are accepting any old grammatical error that occurs often enough as proper English?
Posted June 01, 2009
CherylK says:
I think it's a "word" that a toddler might use and I think it's acceptable at that age. Not past about age 3, however.
Posted May 11, 2009
spirituality says:
Isn't it funniest? (But then English is my second language)
Posted April 08, 2009
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
But I wouldn't want to stop any of us from having the funnest time ever!
Brenda
Posted April 08, 2009
MikeMoore says:
Not yet. Maybe one day, but if you were to use that word say...in a novel, and tried to have it published, you'd be laughed at by the editor. Try it! I dare ya!
Posted April 02, 2009
OneFootPutt says:
I am funner than you. The funnest thing I ever did was...
I don't think these will be in the dictionary at any point soon.
Posted March 25, 2009
drifter0658 says:
To quote a Twit happy Tweep...Hellest no! Look how old that dictionary was...jeez Louise; pre-civil war. I don't think we were even speaking English back then. Okay, maybe we were, but not Americanized English. 1846!??!!..wouldn't that mean that the trend is devolving and not evolving.
Will this box allow me enough room to have the mostest characters in this debate?
I know I love to write conversationally, and writing dialog is the shiznit as far as I'm concerned, but I can't say that I've ever written using the word 'funnest'. Generally, when someone says 'funnest', even THEY wince. Now look what you went and done, I typed 'funnest' twice. Dang it, three times.
To cut to the chase, my answer would be a resounding and unequivocally negatively positive nyet.
Thanks for letting me chime in here. Seems lensmasters grab the crap and run when they see me on the horizon. I don't understand why. I usually leave curt snippets of what is really on my mind.
That should just about do it.
Posted March 24, 2009
WhitU4ever says:
My Clintonian response would be: That depends on what the meaning of the word "word" is...
But my heart clings to what I was taught long ago in English class. the teacher would have said, "Informal, yes. Correct grammar, no."
Posted March 24, 2009
C-Joy says:
Funnest is acceptable if you are under the age of 12. If you are over the age of 12, I will not take you the seriousest when you say it. (lol) So my answer really is sometimes, but I'll place it in the no column!
Posted March 24, 2009
Ramkitten says:
In a recent forum discussion in the "Critique Me" section, I wrote, "The word 'funnest' is in one of your titles. I'm afraid that's not a word. 'Most fun' is the proper way to phrase that. I'm not sure if you meant this in jest, but, even so, I honestly don't think it gives a good first impression." Call me a word-snoot, but I stand by my statement. No how, no way on funnest! :)
Posted March 24, 2009
Yup! Mostist definitely.
Marelisa says:
What a coincidence visiting your lensmaster page and seeing this lens! A couple of days ago I was talking to my sister and I used the word "funner". She immediately asked me if that was a proper word and so I checked online when I got home. I found that through usage the word "funner" has been accepted into the English language.
Posted July 19, 2009
Eclectic_Muse says:
Well, it is around here. Sure we all learn the proper terms, but it's human nature to change things up a bit. So, I exercise my right to tell you: This is the Funnest lens ever!
Posted June 29, 2009
CleanerLife says:
Sure is! What I always hated about English class was how it tends to get in the way of reading! I love to read, but hate to learn about usage! I'm not saying it's useless, but I grew up speaking the language, by the time I reached High School, I didn't care about usage anymore - they should have forced me to learn some other languages instead!
Posted June 03, 2009
mysticmama says:
The English language is constantly evolving. New words appear everyday that have their roots in other words, but become popular through "slang" use...I personally love the word "funnest" and use it a lot! So for me it is a real word, just like favourite is real for the Brits, but seems mis-spelled to me... or how about their use of the word "spelt" seems lazy to me, but for them it's an okay alternative to spelled lmao :-)
Posted May 18, 2009
what-u-c says:
Don't know if its right or wrong, but I've probably said it on occasion. I know my kids have, so I will have to go in the yes column.
Posted April 08, 2009
BuffaloKid says:
I'm going to get a woopin' for taking this side, but I'm for evolution, though I avoid using funnest unless I'm trying to annoy someone. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
Dang, I just plugged the above paragraph into Word to do a spell check and "funnest" was spelled wrong. Poo.
(and so was "poo")
Posted March 24, 2009
cjsysreform says:
Yes. I say let the English language evolve, as it tends to do. I see no reason not to officially recognize colloquialisms and amusing grammatical revisions. Why not make room for playful words?
Also, this reminds me of when I hear someone criticize rap music for not following the conventions of "proper" English. If you insist on correct grammar all the time and refuse to acknowledge any variations, you could miss out on some great conversations with people outside your own socioeconomic group.
Posted March 24, 2009
mrscookie says:
Having had a long going argument with the husband about the word "goosebumply" and if it is acceptable or not I now have another word to think about! I've only ever heard "Funnest" used on American TV shows by airhead teenagers but that is indication enough that it is used over there. The English language is changing all the time and "Funnest" is a nice none threatening word which we all understand.
Posted March 24, 2009
My Reaction to "Funnest"
Which is the same reaction I have to my stinky pooch.
See....
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Grammar Girl Article:
Word! (Of The Day)
A REAL One (Heh!)
- tortuous: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
- tortuous: marked by repeated turns and bends.
- Presented By:
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So, Am I Just Being A Word-Snob?
Comments anyone?
You can lemme have it here.
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Reply
- lasertek lasertek Dec 21, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
- Nice debate! Funnest is a word that people are starting to use whenever an extreme enjoyment has been experienced. Orally, I think this word is acceptable but in writing, I guess not. 5*
Merry Christmas! Hope you could visit my lenses and be a fan of my fb page. Thanks
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Reply
- spunkyduckling spunkyduckling Nov 16, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
- Okay so I admit..I don't like the word but its stuck in my head now. I just used it in the plexo..hopefully I will not ever again use it! Got to tell it like it is - this lens was a one of a kind funnest lens! Ooops..I just did. Shh!!!
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Reply
- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Nov 2, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
- Great lens, lots of fun, the funnest lens I have read lately.
Lensrolled to Verbs: What ARE you doing?
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Reply
- Pukeko Pukeko Sep 23, 2009 @ 3:45 am
- Great fun. Thanks.
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Reply
- WindyWinters WindyWinters Sep 17, 2009 @ 12:41 am
- It's the Funnest Lens Ever!
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Reply
- Sojourn Sojourn Aug 5, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
- Yup - It's notta word. But using it anyway is the funnest. :) Love this lens!
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Reply
- Eclectic_Muse Eclectic_Muse Jun 29, 2009 @ 8:16 am
- Super lens!
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Reply
- Kylyssa Kylyssa Jun 1, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
- Great lens! I love to express the Grammar Nazi side of my personality and this lens gave me a good excuse today.
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- FunGifts4All FunGifts4All May 31, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
- I'm all for spreading a smile around and this lens is funny. Great job!!
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- mysticmama mysticmama May 18, 2009 @ 11:26 am
- love this les it is truly the funnest!
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A Bit About Me, The Grammar Snob
Lensmaster Ramkitten has been a member since December 7 2008, has rated 2,458 lenses, favorited 198, and has created 111 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer". See all my lenses
My Bio
I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and now just about everywhere else), but you can call me Deb if you'd like.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the greatest experience of my life, and I have plans for more long-distance treks in the future. That's me in the photo, celebrating at the official end of the A.T., excited about the accomplishment, looking forward to being home again, but a little sad inside, too, because an amazing journey has come to an end. That was in 2000 but feels like yesterday, as I remember everything in such detail. That's often how it is when you're moving through life at no more than 3 miles per hour along the simplicity of a trail.
Anyhow, I'm originally from Rhode Island but now live in Flagstaff, Arizona. I'm a Search & Rescue volunteer (love it!) and a writer of both fiction and non-. In late 2008, I began working on my own internet-based business, selling pre-equipped 24-hour packs for hikers and other outdoorsy folks. And, as a 40th birthday gift to myself, I quit my "real job" in favor of doing things I truly enjoy on a full-time basis.
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