Matt/matte

[Manalto]

I always thought that Matt was what Matthew's friends and family called him and matte was a deliberately non-reflective surface, but now I see both used to refer to the finish of pens. Is one incorrect and one correct? Are the spellings interchangeable? Or is this yet another symptom of our civilization circling the drain?

 

James

Edited March 30, 2015 by Manalto

[AndrewC]

You are correct in your definitions. If the spellings have changed it is news to me, but I'm over 50. AFAIK, the spellings are NOT interchangeable, but perhaps it is part of the new modern "American" English that seems to be fine with all sorts of grammar/spelling errors. I blame spellcheck and too much time texting.

 

"...circling the drain?" I will have to remember that. Thanks for the chuckle. And it is nice to see someone else who is bothered by that. Right up there with "burgandy".

[snowbear]

I agree - Matt is a name, matte is a finish, and mat is any of various flat objects, generally for protecting something.

 

edit: Sorry - I didn't notice the age of the thread.

Edited July 16, 2015 by cmwrenn3

[Manalto]

edit: Sorry - I didn't notice the age of the thread.

 

That's OK - it's still true!

[I.M.]

so where's the photo to go with this thread?

[Manalto]

so?

[I.M.]

the photo...

[NinthSphere]

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2008/database/mattdamon/mattdamon300.jpg

 

He's not terribly reflective in this one.

[I.M.]

maybe his complexion's been powdered

[inkstainedruth]

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2008/database/mattdamon/mattdamon300.jpg

 

He's not terribly reflective in this one.

But the picture needs to be matted....

Sorry -- I don't know why this followup made me laugh quite as much as it did...

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth.