2 small questions

Posted by James Briggs on June 14, 2003

In Reply to: 2 small questions posted by sphinx on June 14, 2003

: Hi,
: 1.When we describe someone who is unable to see with eyes, we say he/she is blind/sightless/visionless. But which one is offensive or too strong? or is there any other ways of saying it politely?
: And is "bookworm" a strong word?

: 2.Here comes a passage:
: Unlike his father, Prince Charles, who had trouble fitting in at school, British Prince William has been popular with classmates.
: My qustion is what does "fit in" mean? Why did Prince Charles had trouble fitting in at school?

: Thanks!

1, Visionless implies that the person lacks foresight, ambition, etc. For me 'blind' is the best word.
1a. Bookworm is an acceptable word, not derogatory nor complimentary, merely descriptive of an avid reader. To me, however, reading for pleasure is a rather passive excercise but seems to have the accolade of 'scholarship'. If you spend a lot of time playing computer games, this can bring on criticism. Both are passive. Perhaps standards will change as time goe by?
2 Yes!

• 2nd question R. Berg 06/14/03