Downton Abbey V the Streets 🤔

When it comes to writing, we have to think specifically about the audience and ensure we set the right tone, right? But I have noticed a few examples lately which made me do a double-take.

Setting the right tone

For example I discovered - 'Aight?' - within a marketing email over the weekend. Wow, It took me a moment to register what it even said because I was so surprised to see it there.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for an informal, chatty style when it's appropriate, but that seemed to be a step beyond.

Is that even in the dictionary?

Ok, so it is in the dictionary.

Again, wow.🤯

It makes me wonder what the Queen would have made of it if someone had dared to email her with such an extreme, colloquial tone. If I was taken aback somewhat by this, then I imagine she would have been too!

Writing is a law unto itself!

So what happened is that my mind has been opened to another level of informality, much like opening a secret room or level in a video game. Turns out you can get away with writing pretty much anything if the mood and audience are there for it. Interesting indeed as an ex-teacher, used to the 'rules'!

Have you seen something written that made you do a double-take in an advert, email or newsletter? Let me know and I can continue to be amazed at the scope of our curiously wonderful language!