The Enormity of Words

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and I’ve clipped a line from the Berkshire Eagle newspaper for your enjoyment. Here’s a slightly edited version: Tom Brady’s farewell year will quickly fade from our collective memories, overwhelmed by the enormity of his accomplishments over an unprecedented career. Curious about this “enormity,” and whether it had landed Brady in jail, I scanned the rest of the article, only to discover that the author has apparently forgotten what the word “enormity” actually means. You see, the news almost exclusively treats the word as though it means “hugeness” – the world’s largest airplane, for example, was recently described as an “enormity” by a local ABC outlet – but it actually means “enormous evil.” Here's a fun way to spend a Saturday: Enter “enormity” into Google and click the “news” tab. Not only will you feel exceptionally smart, but you’ll quickly be overwhelmed with laughter. That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.