BBC Changes Language Usage Style

The British Broadcasting Corp., purveyor of spoken English to the world, wants to purge its broadcasts of cliches, jargon, Americanisms and affronts to good taste and grammar.

Phrases like “shot in the arm” and “last-ditch bid” are out. Short words and sentences are in.

It’s the Duchess of York and Princess Diana from now on--no more Fergie and Di.

And please, no more of those Americanisms that jar the British ear--words like diaper, drugstore and sidewalk instead of nappy, chemist and pavement.

The BBC has published its most comprehensive style guide in its 67-year history in an attempt to improve its own broadcasts and stimulate public debate about language usage.

In much of the English-speaking world, BBC English is synonymous with good English.

“We may not wish to be regarded as guardians of how the nation should speak, but many of our viewers and listeners regard us in that way,” Tony Hall, BBC’s managing director for current affairs, says in the guide’s introduction.

“If we misuse words, can we be trusted to get the facts right?” he asks.

The 50-page book, “The Style Guide,” was distributed to BBC staff recently.

Cliches to avoid include “at this moment in time,” “brainchild” and “blaze.” Try “now,” “idea” or “fire.”

Expressions such as “hopes dashed,” “sigh with relief,” “trigger” and “spell out” should not be used, either.

“Last-ditch bid” is a really tired phrase, the guide says. The ruling on “only time will tell”? “Aagh!”

Tempted to say something was a “miracle”? “Leave it to God.”

The guide says some Americanisms, such as teen-ager, know-how, gimmick, stunt, commuter and blurb, “add vigor and dynamic expression” to the language.