The word "milksop"

Certainly not where I live, or have ever lived. Not in this century.

No, I would say it is relatively uncommon, certainly around these parts. It is a word that I know but have probably never used in my whole life.

Thanks Barbara and GPY!

So, shall we call it "obsolete" -- considering that two experienced teachers (American and British) have never used (or even heard someone use) the word in their whole lives?

Tom

For the record, I am not a teacher.

You might want to wait to hear from others from a broader geographic distribution, but you don't have to worry about hearing it on the bus in New York.

I wouldn't call it obsolete. I think it does see occasional use. However, you could go a long while without reading or hearing it.

BarbaraPAFor the record, I am not a teacher.

There are 27 thousand posts under your belt, Barbara, and hundreds of them on one other forum. You can't deny being a teacher now. Come on, fess up!

Tom

Mr. TomBarbaraPAFor the record, I am not a teacher.There are 27 thousand posts under your belt, Barbara, and hundreds of them on one other forum. You can't deny being a teacher now. Come on, fess up!Tom

Barb is a professional writer. As such, she has a very good knowledge of the English language, and the ability to use it extremely effectively. People undoubte

You are very sweet to say so. I feel my contributions are best suited for matters of usage and style. I know more grammar than the average person, but as I've spent more time here, I've become better at knowing when to stay silent and let the people who know what they're talking about take over.