AP: Goodbye “Web site;” Hello “Website”
April 29, 2010
Good news for all word nerds: The Associated Press has finally made the switch from the old-fashioned “Web site” to the simpler, more natural-looking “website.” Yay!
To me, “Web site” has always seemed a little stuffy and English teacher-ish. Good for AP to know when it’s time to change things up. According to the AP’s Web site – er, website – the change will be included in the 2010 print edition of the style guide.
Other recent changes in AP style:
• Update: When used as a verb, “carpool” is one word (it’s still two words if used as a noun, though).
• Addition: The noun “e-reader” has been added – due to the recent deluge of gadgets like the Kindle and the iPad. Also acceptable: “e-book reader.”
• Update: The word “mic” is now an acceptable (informal) form of “microphone.”
• Addition: When talking about a certain angry hybrid of ultra-testosterone-fueled cage fighting, the correct term is “mixed martial arts” (this one surprised me; I expected a hyphen in there somewhere). No word on whether “MMA” is an acceptable substitute – but AP cautions that “Ultimate Fighting” is not to be used as a substitute (it’s actually a registered trademark).
- Image via Wikipedia
So, what do you think? Are you happy to see the AP change with the times? Are there other changes you’d like to see?