Helmut was a German electronics engineer I worked with years ago. He often stated that the U.S. needed to create a government agency to control American English. He was disturbed that existing words would change meanings and that anyone could create a new word. It was no use explaining to Helmut those are the exact reasons that American English is a vibrant, growing language. (Helmut's nickname was Helmet.)

But to Helmut's point I do want to say I wish someone would keep count (If the government is not already doing it.) of how many times a word is overused and set up some kind of quota system to control it. Right now everyone in every sports - players, coaches, managers, owners, announcers, and fans - is using some form of the word "grind."

"We have to keep grinding."

"I just kept grinding."

"It was a real grind out there today."
 
"I had to grind my way around the course today."

Whatever happened to "a tough day" or "a rough outing?" I've personally always liked "kept our focus" and "stayed within ourselves."

I have seen the movie Bull Durham. "Grind" for all its color is not in the official sports lexicon. Oh, that's right. This is America.

Well, maybe at least the networks can bleep the G word. It is really starting to grind on my nerves

George W. Parker