The expression is “on a tear,” not “on a terror.” While I appreciate the humorous aspect of a shrewish spouse, the Harridan, the classic Xanthippe, Scott’s eggcorn will mislead those un- & under-educated readers who know no better. They will go through life using “on a terror” rather than “on a tear” and become objects of ridicule if they’re not lovingly and firmly corrected. This could become the equivalent of the nauseating misuse of “hone in on” for the correct “home in on.” English is threatened by these well-meant blunders.
cocavan11 almost 8 years ago
The expression is “on a tear,” not “on a terror.” While I appreciate the humorous aspect of a shrewish spouse, the Harridan, the classic Xanthippe, Scott’s eggcorn will mislead those un- & under-educated readers who know no better. They will go through life using “on a terror” rather than “on a tear” and become objects of ridicule if they’re not lovingly and firmly corrected. This could become the equivalent of the nauseating misuse of “hone in on” for the correct “home in on.” English is threatened by these well-meant blunders.
ericlscott creator almost 8 years ago