This language of ours — English — seems to be in a constant state of flux.

Such an observation on my part is certainly not original. Hardly. Think what a challenge it must be for those for whom English is a second language.

For those whose only language is English, there are many, many words used incorrectly.

Take “funeral.” It is almost always used with “service.” To do so, however, is redundant. How so, you may ask.

Well, now. The definition of the word “funeral” is “it is a ceremony for honoring, respecting, satisfying, or remembering the life of a person who has died.” Adding “service” just isn’t necessary.

Then, there’s “podium.” Many, if not most, think it refers to the lectern or speaker’s stand. Not so.

The definition of “podium” is “a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience, as when making a speech or conducting an orchestra.” Think Latin for the word’s origin.

More recently we seem to have lost a word: affect. Not much is “affected” any more. No, sir. Things are “impacted.” And they’re not talking about a tooth or one’s solid waste disposal system.

Then there’s “escalate.” Remember when “increase” or “rise” worked just fine? Not now. Things “escalate.”

Now we have “a ton of.” Ton, however, means 2,000 pounds. You may have a lot of something, but certainly not 2,000 pounds.

A lot of things “come down to the wire,” so the print and broadcast folks tell us. Just exactly what wire are they talking about? I don’t know of any wire used in sporting events.

Now, I probably should end this less than riveting endeavor here, but I can’t not mention “snuck.” This terrible made-up word is used so ubiquitously now that it either is or will be accepted. But you and I know better. The correct form is sneak — sneaked — sneaked. As in I sneak, I sneaked, I have sneaked. “Snuck” makes me cringe.

“Back to back” I’ve given up on. If it is used at all, at least it should be “front to back.” As in one following another. What is meant is consecutive, or two in a row, or one after the other. “Back to back” would mean going in opposite directions.

Time to wrap this up. Truth to tell, very few really give a rat’s rump about such linguistic trivia.

Let’s try to meet here again next week. Okay?

Peace.