(Ovid - a blight on the language) Re(2): Pondering Regex::English

<rant>

While I can't disagree that maintaining a standard naming structure a Good Thing, I have to say that I agree with Jeffrey Friedl regarding "regexp": it's a blight on the language. I speak English and a bit of French and I can't imagine any speakers in either language finding "regexp" to roll off the tongue easier than "regex". In fact, I find it hard to imagine that speakers in any language would enjoy that P on the end. "regexp" sounds like something Sylvester the Cat would spit out in conversation if he were conversant with Perl.

I don't know who started the "regexp" naming scheme on the CPAN, but I was at a talk that Damian gave recently and unless I drastically misunderstood him, he also thought that "regexP" was an abomination.

Which is my roundabout way of saying that I get chills up my spine every time I hear someone trying to say 'regexp'.

'Nuff said :)

</rant>

This node was not brought to you by the letter 'P'.

Cheers,
Ovid

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Comment on (Ovid - a blight on the language) Re(2): Pondering Regex::English

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
"Regexp" with a silent "p" by japhy (Canon) on Aug 24, 2001 at 04:09 UTC
I've heard that it is "regexp" with a silent "p". But I still use "regex". _____________________________________________________ Jeff`[japhy]`Pinyan: Perl, regex, and perl hacker. `s++=END;++y(;-P)}y js++=;shajsj<++y(p-q)}?print:??;`	[reply]
Re: (Ovid - a blight on the language) Re(2): Pondering Regex::English by dws (Chancellor) on Aug 24, 2001 at 05:55 UTC
I speak English and a bit of French and I can't imagine any speakers in either language finding "regexp" to roll off the tongue easier than "regex". For the unconvinced, try speaking the following aloud at a normal pace: Regexp regexp regexp Toy boat toy boat toy boat Regexp regexp regexp Pass the peanut butter.	[reply]
Re: (Ovid - a blight on the language) Re(2): Pondering Regex::English by stefp (Vicar) on Aug 25, 2001 at 00:00 UTC
I speak French with a bit of English (and i try to learn a little german by listening www.jazzradio.net). I think that regexp is a better mnemonic then regex. It is indeed a tongue twister so the P may be better silent. -- stefp	[reply]