Language Log says that the OED's orthographic preference is for the form without the apostrophe. (Doh!)
Comments
I've always preferred it that way (sans apostrophe) myself, although I'm sure the OED and I would disagree on other spellings. I tend to double consonants where it's not considered necessary to double them, as in traveling or shoveled.
I always assumed from the apostrophe that it was a contraction of some sort, but never bothered to think about what words were being squeezed. Knowing what kind of brilliant lunatics work for Groening, I wouldn't have been the slightest bit surprised if this were the case and involved some kind of inside joke.
I've always preferred it that way (sans apostrophe) myself, although I'm sure the OED and I would disagree on other spellings. I tend to double consonants where it's not considered necessary to double them, as in traveling or shoveled.
Posted by: Kathy | July 21, 2004 at 09:59 AM
Since it's an expression I utter (with ample justification, mind you) several times a day, I really ought to learn how to spell it.
Posted by: Chan S. | July 21, 2004 at 11:06 AM
I always assumed from the apostrophe that it was a contraction of some sort, but never bothered to think about what words were being squeezed. Knowing what kind of brilliant lunatics work for Groening, I wouldn't have been the slightest bit surprised if this were the case and involved some kind of inside joke.
Posted by: Robert the Llama Butcher | July 21, 2004 at 11:41 AM