Grammar 101: Gorilla or Guerrilla
August 19th, 2010 by Michael Kwan
That’s because when you run the “spell check” function, it only really searches for words that aren’t in its pre-defined dictionary. If it’s in there, it deems it as correct, even if it is wholly the wrong word for the situation. Such is the case when I hear people writing about “gorilla marketing” and “gorilla warfare.” Unless you’re talking about King Kong doing battle, that’s the wrong spelling.
“Gorilla” and “guerrilla” have totally different meanings, despite sounding very similar. This is the similar situation that people may encounter when using words like hoard and horde or even terms like regime, regimen, and regiment. They may sound similar, but they’re not the same.
A gorilla is the animal. It is the primate on which characters like King Kong and Donkey Kong were based. A gorilla is the mammal that was extensively studied by scientist Dian Fossey.
A guerrilla is a member of an armed resistance, typically participating in combat against a larger and stronger force by using unconventional means. They’ll use sabotage and traps, for instance. This later coined the term “guerrilla marketing” to refer to unconventional forms of advertising that are designed to generate buzz and “turn viral.”
So, now that you know, please don’t call it gorilla warfare unless you happen to be in the forests of Borneo and you witness an alpha male being challenged by another large primate.
Tags: grammar, grammar tips, spelling
Filed under Freelance Writing.
Michael, what to do promote a blog locally (Vancouver)?
There are all kinds of strategies you can try. Buying advertising on related blogs is a good start, as is being active in places like Facebook and Twitter,engaging with people in a useful and helpful manner. Build a presence.
What if the guerillas are waging war by strapping explosives to gorillas and releasing them into areas occupied by their enemies?
Interesting topic Michael. Have you seen these two words interchanged much in your reading or writing career?
Not terribly often, but when it does happen, it jars me. And it’s always the same way; they always write “gorilla marketing” or “gorilla warfare” when they mean to use guerrilla, and never use “guerrilla warfare” to refer to a couple of apes doing battle.
I can see where it would happen that way. I would also be shocked because I think that those two words are so different to me. Part of the problem today is that people don’t spend enough time reading or understanding language. They think that grammar and spell checkers will save them.
I call it LAZY.