[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Whilst wondering at the
irrelevance of "Mobled Queen," permit me to protest against the hybrid " Paxa- mist " which you pronounce "good." In coining new words some regard should be paid to the following principles : (1) The idea which the new word is intended to express should be truly connoted in its constitution. (2) Languages, like liquors, should not be mixed. (3) The ordinary rules of grammar should be observed, and if possible the result should be euphonious. Now the word "Paxamist" fulfils none of these conditions : (1) The idea to be expressed is not a mere "lover of peace," but rather "one who seeks peace and ensues it." (2) "Pan-am" is pseudo-Latin with a Greek termination " ist." (3) If the words "pan" and " amare" are to be con- joined, then the grammarian's requirements of case should be remembered, and " pac," not "pax," must be employed. Either Priscian or Person might well turn in his grave at the sound of such slovenly scholarship. If Latin is to be used, then " pacificator " already exists without reproach ; if Greek is to be preferred, then " Eirenist " is at once euphonious and elegant ; but for my own part I must confess that the most excellent title of all is to be found in the Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."—I am, Sir, &c.,
PHILOLOGIST.
Previous page
