For those who can be bothered... 1

[KenCunningham]

...here's an interesting take on the use of English from a Polish perspective. Be warned, the article is long (and somewhat tangled in approach IMHO), but the comments are even longer!

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/aleksandra_lojekmagdziarz/2008/01/english_for_dummies.html

I want to be good, is that not enough?

 

[LizSara]

according to The Dictionary it means

excessively or unctuously flattering, ingratiating, servile, etc.: the emcee with the smarmy welcome.

[Origin: 1905–10; smarm, var. of dial. smalm to smear, make slick

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"Whoever battles with monsters had better see that it does not turn him into a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. ~ Nietzsche"
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[Welshbird]

Smarmy = Uriah Heep in my understanding. (Or TB)

Fee

The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]

 

[risby]

Thanks for pointing up that article Ken. I do enjoy getting riled up by poncey journalists but I was very pleased to read the nicely tuned condemnations in the comments.

What does instrumentalisation mean?

It's not in Wiktionary, Chambers (UK) or Merriam-Webster.

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I phoned the local ramblers club today, and this bloke just went on and on.