I wonder how native speakers stand on non-standard English. Recently, I've come across the word "equipment" in the plural form (in book titles, names of websites, price lists). I understand that this once military term meaning different types of weapons is sneaking through the back door into everyday usage. I would appreciate any comment on this.
Also, could you possibly share any non-standard expressions like "no can do" or " me likey" which are equally understood in the English-speaking world?
People often feel depressed when crossing the so-called equator of life - turning forty. Being in my late forties, I remember that feeling of disbelief and frustration at the figure. I found some solace, however, in an English proverb "Life begins at forty". Until recently, it hasn't struck me as unfair to the younger generation. I realized that the saying simply deems the experience gained during the first "half-time" null and void as if it were the larval stage of human development. On the other hand, maybe, when you are young, you just don't have time to coin a phrase to be turned into an equally catchy piece of wisdom. So, here I am pondering the fleetness of life and wasting your time on the analysis of a figure of speech which simply emphasizes the importance of growing to maturity before living life to the fullest.
