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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

A firm stance on the use of ‘squishy’

Susan Hussey Queen Elizabeth II
Pile of jumpers
‘Squishy’ clothing is more likely to cause consternation rather than joy, writes Paul McGilchrist. Photograph: Carol Yepes/Getty

I hate to be a Christmas grump, but please discourage the indiscriminate use of “squish” and “squishy” (Fashion has gone soft and squishy, which is a comfort in hard times, 2 December). These onomatopoeic words suggest moisture: a tomato is squishy if squashed; a squashed cushion can’t be squishy unless wet. Jess Cartner-Morley’s discovery of “a squishy coat for everyone these days” is therefore likely to cause consternation rather than joy.
Paul McGilchrist
Colchester, Essex

• “We are concerned about the impact strikes by multiple unions will have on the people of this country” says the prime minister’s spokesperson (NHS set to grind to a halt on 20 December in coordinated strike, 1 December). Members of multiple unions are the people of this country, and they deserve support, not this hostile language.
Eileen Poore
Sheffield

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