How to tell a hippy from a hacker

[robinturner]

Ask them to free associate on the word "free".

If they answer "love", they're a hippy.
If they answer "software", they're a hacker.

(apologies to Anna, who doesn't like the use of "they" as an indefinite pronoun)

Comments

[kristian.livejournal.com]

We 'british' types seem to be graced with her pardon in this particular instance.

[ex-fauxpas266.livejournal.com]

I don't think I ever granted you British-types such a pardon!

You ARE allowed to use "which" in restrictive clauses, though it really, really grates on me. I need proof of British or British-type citizenship to let it slide.

[kristian.livejournal.com]

Oh.

Anyway, what are we to use instead of "they"?

[ex-fauxpas266.livejournal.com]

Technically you're supposed to say "he or she" and "his or her," but I think that sounds like crap. I prefer to alternate between masculine and feminine pronouns.

[solri.livejournal.com]

In my native Shropshire they sometimes use "er", but that just makes you sound indecisive.