The Irish Mail on Sunday

How not to make an infamous error

- Tom Baldwin, Midleton, Co. Cork.

I’m regularly surprised at how often I see the word ‘infamous’ used incorrectl­y. The most recent sighting appeared in a newspaper advert urging Roscommon fans to break up their journey to last week’s football match by stopping at ‘the infamous Harry’s of Kinnegad’. Clearly, the writer believed he was praising Harry’s, whereas he was actually implying that it is famous for all the wrong reasons. In reality, Harry’s is a place of great renown, rightfully famous for the quality of its food and drink and the warmth of its welcome.

Hopefully, this faux-pas will put an end to people using words they’re not sure of. Thinking you know is not good enough. Check it out and be sure.

Seán Ryan,

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