Jus fink before yer speek

Have you noticed how many people are starting a statement with "I mean" these days, surely this expression should only be used to further elaborate on something said previously, or as a precursor to an analogy. But more and more people, especially in the media are insulting us with their bad grammar, even politicians fall victim to this nonsense and they should I hope know better. I expect it from some streetwise teenager with nothing better to do than insult his/her eardrums with Mother F....r rap, but not someone with a university education.

I cant say that my grammar is impeccable, but I at least know the basics, and if I don’t know I take the trouble to find out. I answered the phone the other day to be greeted with "Av yer got a job" I replied "yes thank you " and put the phone down. The person rang back and said "I want a job mate who do I speak to" I informed the plum that unless he introduced himself properly and spoke the Queens English that he was unlikely to get a job here or anywhere else for that matter.

His answer wasn't unexpected; it contained an expletive and ended with off. You might think me a crusty old bugger and perhaps I am. But there is a growing assault on basic English in this country that isn't just coming from the Politically correct loons but is also prevalent in some of the guardians of our youth (Teachers) not all of course but certainly some of them. I had occasion to visit my daughter’s school some time ago after she brought home a note from her English teacher, who was also her form teacher. It read like this.

I need an explanation about why Faye wasn't in on wensday.

I went to the school the very next day and took the note with me. As I walked down the main corridor not sure where it was I was going, I came across a surly looking youth with spiky hair and earrings. He was dressed not unlike a Benidorm holidaymaker he shouted at three younger kids who were running I presume late for class and I quote "don't f.....g run in the corridor" I said excuse me, he replied "what can I do you for mate" I replied I am looking for Mr xxxxxx he smiled happily That would be me. I turned on my heel and walked out determined to move my Daughter to another school. As I put as much distance between this moron and myself he shouted after me "nice one" another expression I hate.