prescriptivist

Definition

Someone who lays down rules regarding language usage, or who believes that traditional norms of language usage should be upheld.

Etymology

From prescriptive + -ist.

Example Sentences

• "The plutocratic tone and styptic wit of Safire and Newman and the best of the Prescriptivists is often modeled after the mandarin-Brit personas of Eric Partridge and H. W. Fowler, the same Twin Towers of scholarly Prescriptivism whom Garner talks about revering as a kid."

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