Flammable. An oddity, chiefly useful in saving lives. The common word meaning "combustible" is inflammable. but some people are thrown off by the in- and think inflammable means "not combustible." For this reason, trucks carrying gasoline or explosives are now marked FLAMMABLE. Unless you are operating such a truck and hence are concerned with the safety of children and illiterates, use inflammable.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Strunk and White on the safety of children and illiterates
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