Trouper/trooper
Posted by ESC on February 24, 2004
In Reply to: Trouper/trooper posted by Swalsh on February 24, 2004
: Can anyone clear up a little arguement I'm currently involved in?
: The phrase involved is "....like a trooper" OR
: "....like a trouper"
: Eg, swears like...., plays like...
: I'm pretty convinced that it's the latter which is correct, as in trouper on the stage, gritty, show must go on etc etc. Anyone shed any light?
: Cheers..
From the Associated Press Stylebook:
troop, troops, troupe -- A TROOP is a group of people or animals. TROOPS means several such groups, particularly groups of soldiers. Use TROUPE only for ensembles of actors, dancers, singers, etc.
I am going to guess that it's "swear like a trooper" (as in soldier) and "a real trouper" (as in an acting company, the show must go on. Now I am off to check Merriam-Webster.
- Trouper/trooper ESC 24/February/04
- Trouper/trooper Simon Walsh 24/February/04