Word Crimes

[Seva]

Before the video pops up, could you please please "пожалуйста" explain to a poor Russian what does Word Crimes mean? Is it some kind of proverb or a known phrase, or just a brilliant word pun that only Americans can get? Thanks!!

[Seva]

Wow, watched the original Blurred Lines video. What a horrible, horrible Remy Martin commercial!

SEVA.

[mrbellamy]

Before the video pops up, could you please please "пожалуйста" explain to a poor Russian what does Word Crimes mean? Is it some kind of proverb or a known phrase, or just a brilliant word pun that only Americans can get? Thanks!!

The phrase "Word Crimes" is pretty much a Weird Al invention, Seva . It is a little like a phrase in America called 'Crimes against the English language" which is just a funny saying for when people write English poorly and don't know how to spell, write proper sentences, or use common words and phrases correctly. It's not meant to make fun of foreign speakers, though, but instead those who were born in an English speaking country, have spoken English their whole lives, and should know better!

But anyway, "Word Crimes" is not a common saying in America. It's just a funny way to rhyme with "Blurred Lines" and to show that the song is about poor English grammar.

[Seva]

THANKS mrbellamy!! Oh my God. Seems like there's finally an Anthem for us philologists!!

But seriously, there couldn't be a topic that would be more topical. Back in the early days, when I first entered WOWAY, in terms of a couple of years hangin' around here and listening to Al, my English level went enormously high. - In fact, when I meet Americans here in Russia, they're more than amazed with me knowing many slang words and funny references. Nowadays, it appears WOWAY is the ONLY place in the Internet where people talk and write properly! I mean, I really tired editing youngsters on Facebook - ME, a NON-English speaking dude! - with "their" and "they're" mixing already being an innocent vintage. It's truly horrendous to see people degradate so quickly.

Sorry for off topic. Just a few thoughts before seeing Al singing song that would be my favorite.

SEVA.

[OneWAY]

I like that Al found a way to slam Prince, of all people, in this. I also have this possibly-stupid way for Al to do this live; after the polka, the audience is going nuts, Al approaches the mic and yells, "EVERYBODY SHUT UP!" and it goes directly into the song.

[symphy]

Think Al's video will have as much nudity as the real version: http://www.vevo.com/watch/USUV71300526? ... yDUC1LUXSU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ?

Probably with guys though instead of women. Cause it'd be funnier.

/Insert dangling participle joke here.

[crazygurl14]

My daughter likes the original version because of all the Woo's. Shes listening to the album with me right now and this song came on and she was excited first and then confused. She asked if this was a new version. She's 5, so luckily she doesn't understand or care for the words other than Woo for the original. Thanks Al for making a 5yr old safe version lol

[NDBois]

What is the likelihood that this is live action? I sure hope it is, as this is the strongest song on the album, and has the potential of gaining White and Nerdy status.

[Bruce the Duck]

What is the likelihood that this is live action? I sure hope it is, as this is the strongest song on the album, and has the potential of gaining White and Nerdy status.

Actually, I think there's a high probability of that now. The image on iTunes of Al with a deer is NOT in the booklet, which means it's probably from one of the video shoots. In the original video Robin Thicke is in a dark suit and there's a goat throughout the video. I'm thinking the baby deer will be replacing the goat. Possibly with a gag about homophones - deer/dear.

[mellow weasel]

there's a goat throughout the video.

It's a sheep, not a goat