Pet Peeve

It is very hot today and I’m feeling grouchy. Today’s blog is going to be a bit whiny.

As many of you know, I proofread reports at work. I also write poetry from time to time. I like words. I like knowing their etymology. I like playing around with them.

Seeing a copy-editor or an editor using the wrong word in a title is a pet peeve of mine(and one of the many reasons we no longer get the Lowell Sun). The title that has been annoying me is on the cover of a People magazine.

A little background: My boss brings in old People magazines for the customer waiting area next to my desk. His mom gets them and gives them to him when she is done, however, she has been in Florida and then in Canada for a while now, so we haven’t received any new magazines.

I’ve been looking at the February 22 issue for way too long. Celine Dion is on the cover. The editor chose the title “My Private Heartbreak” to emblazon in large font on the front.

Private? On the cover of People? I don’t think so.

Celine is talking about her infertility struggle, which is a very private topic for most people. She has courageously decided to share her experiences. I do hope that others who are struggling with infertility can find comfort and encouragement in her story.

I’m sure it is a heartbreak. But it is not private. Not anymore.

I would have just called it “My Heartbreak”, but I am not an editor at People. Just an annoyed word lover.

Private (adjective) 1. Belonging to, concerning, or accessible only to an individual person or a specific group. 2. Not in governmental office or employment. 3. Not publicly known; not open; secret. 4. Protected from view or disturbance by others; secluded. 5. Intended only for the use of an individual, group, or organization. 6. Not accessible by the public. 7. Secretive; reserved. 8. (US, of a room in a medical facility) Not shared with another patient.

(definition from http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/private)