This week’s prompt from Velvet Verbosity is the word “Heiress.”

 

THE ERROR OF THE ‘ESS’

The Lincoln Herald’s executive editor glowered in Alexandra’s doorway. “Alex, I’ve told you a dozen times that you cannot use these “ess” suffixes in your stories!”

“But it’s about a world-renowned heiress. What else can I call her? She certainly isn’t an heir.”

“Yes, she is.”

“No, she’s not. An heir is a man.”

“You know the Usage Panel refuses to accept suffixes designating gender.”

“But that’s crazy! Journalism’s being smothered by all this ‘political correctness!’”

“Yes, true journalists are gasping for their last breath. It’s too late for me, but I’m going to save your life: you’re fired.”

 

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