A reader of "Understanding English Grammar'" has asked Bob Funk, my
co-author, and me to delete all references to "rules of thumb" in our
book.  It came as a surprise to both of us that the term was
offensive.  It turns out, however, that the so-called rule has its
origin in the size of the stick that a husband could use when he beat
his wife!  I'm not sure how long ago that rule applied in  its
original state; and I'm also not convinced that anyone using the term
makes that connection.  I do see the term frequently in books like
ours.

I'd appreciate any opinions as to the merits of this objection.

Martha

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