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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.8 | Chapter 9.9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What word was "coatee" used as a diminutive for?
(a) Coat.
(b) Shawl.
(c) Beard.
(d) Hat.

2. According to Mencken, the name of what game puzzles etymologists?
(a) Football.
(b) Poker.
(c) Whist.
(d) Badminton.

3. What is frequently omitted in phrases indicated desire or intent, as indicated in Chapter 9.9?
(a) Verbs of action.
(b) Adverbial modifiers.
(c) Adjectival modifiers.
(d) The subject noun(s).

4. According to Mencken, how do the English pronounce "been?"
(a) Bean.
(b) Bain.
(c) Bein.
(d) Bin.

5. What does Sayce say that language is composed of in 1879?
(a) Letters.
(b) Meanings.
(c) Words.
(d) Sounds.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what language does Mencken state the double negative was once "quite respectable?"

2. How does Mencken characterize the vulgar American habitual use of the double negative?

3. How do the English pronounce the first syllable in "lieutenant"?

4. Which word do Americans use for "angry" that was once an English provincialism considered base?

5. What difference in pronunciation does Mencken state most sharply distinguishes the two dialects?

(see the answer key)

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