Sorry for the infamous vs. famous confusion

[Guest Menneisyys]

My attention has just been drawn to (one of) my mistake(s) in English: during the years, I’ve often used the word “infamous” when I meant “famous”. Yeah, just the opposite meaning. Sorry for the confusion this may have caused – yeah, I know I should double-check everything I post, even to be absolutely sure about the meaning of words I use, as far as English usage is concerned. I only wish I had the time for that – which I severely lack, given that I’m working, experimenting and writing really hard.

I don’t really have the time to re-edit all my articles cross-posted to the Web (several Windows Mobile boards). On my blog, I’ve fixed the most important ones (but still not all). Therefore, if you read an older article on a WM board that uses the word “infamous” – I’ve definitely meant “famous” in all these cases.

Finally, if you spot repeated mistakes / misunderstandings like this (showing I use a word / expression in the totally wrong meaning), feel free to tell me, even in public (you don’t need to bother with private messages if they cause a lot of additional work). Don’t be shy. I certainly don’t get offended by these kinds of reports – after all, my mother tongue isn’t English and problem reports will certainly help in not making the same mistake again.

[Guest Kchrpm]

This is a major part of the movie Three Amigos ;)

[Guest Disco Stu]

You shouldn't worry about it since there they are often inter-changeable.

For example :

1. ActiveSync - famous or infamous ?

2. Steve McLaren - famous or infamous ?

'Three Amigos' is one of my favourite films.

Menneisyys, you should use the word 'plethora' more in your work.

:( ;)

[Guest chucky.egg]

Menneisyys, you should use the word 'plethora' more in your work.

And the word antidisestablishmentarianistically

[Guest jimbouk]

Your english is better than a lot of English people...

[Guest mandt]

I think Menneisyys' original use of the word 'infamous' is correct, infamous now is generally used to mean 'famous but in limited circles' to quote an example from ModaCo's past the Cocky incident is 'famous' in WM forum circles, but elsewhere it's unknown, and therefore 'infamous'. Likewise MPlayer in well known among Linux circles, but to the general public it's unheard of.

Or am I completely wrong?

[Guest Samsonite]

Or am I completely wrong?

erm, infamous is the same as famous but with a sinister connotation.

Al Capone was infamous because he was a bad man.

Robert De Niro is a famous actor who has played the infamous gangster. Geddit? ;)

[Guest mandt]

I know that ;) I am referring to the common usage, or perhaps mis-usage of the word

In any case whether I'm right or wrong famous isn't the right word, David Beckham is famous, MPlayer isn't.

[Guest Disco Stu]

No, you see there's your error right there.

David Beckham is now infamous for trousering a whole load of dollars under the false pretence of wanting to develop American soccer.

;)

[Guest mandt]

Hee Hee, now surely you mean Football ;)

Which while we're on the subject of your boys have done amazingly well this year, especially given the circumstances

[Guest beersoft]

all this talk of famous/infamous and no mention of my now legendary drinking and soho bar reentry skills whilst being the friendly face of windows mobile :(

whats the world comming to

later

Owen

visit the fine www.digitalpimp.co.uk because its mine

[Guest Disco Stu]

I think you're more incorrigible than infamous, Owen :D

..and I hope Menneisyys understands the banter in this thread :(

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

:(

Beery, think you need to update your sig :D

P

[Guest beersoft]

:(

Beery, think you need to update your sig :D

P

hehehe.

Ok, its was a little out of date, but now its new and shiney!!!

later

Owen