THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have just listened to a radio interview in which the word 'fulsome' was used nine times - where 'full' would have been suitable - both by one of our best journalists and by an eminent and eloquent guest.

I was obliged to look up the word in a number of dictionaries, since it was obviously being used in a positive sense, as in 'We want to give fulsome information', while I had always seen it as having negative connotations.

Four British and two American dictionaries have confirmed that the word normally describes something that is excessive, offensive or insincere. A note on its usage, in the 2000 edition of The New Penguin English Dictionary, is particularly helpful:

"In its standard modern meaning, fulsome is a strongly uncomplimentary word. Fulsome praise is embarrassingly excessive or insincerely flattering. Though fulsome derives originally from a word meaning 'abundant', its use in a positive sense to mean 'copious', 'very full' or 'lavish' should be avoided for fear of misunderstanding."

We really miss The Gleaner's 'Mary Smith' column that used to remind us of the importance of accuracy in the use of words, and in their usage. (That's another one that gets confused!)

I am, etc.,

PETER MAXWELL

P.O. Box 237

Kingston 7