Reeking and Wreaking

Reeking and Wreaking Reeking and Wreaking Reeking and Wreaking By Maeve Maddox Here is a very small sampling taken from the web of the misuse of the verb reek: We had an extremely wet May and June this year in New York City which reeked havoc on many tomato gardens. SISTERS reeked havoc at Momma’s Christmas Dinner today Although this helped in some patients, it reeked havoc with others, resulting in law suits. that virus sure reeked havoc with your computer The deadly twister that reeked havoc in Tuscaloosa. Note that each error is an attempt to use the idiom to wreak havoc, meaning to cause destruction or devastation. It would be correct to say, A huge earthquake wreaked havoc on Japan, or A string of tornadoes wreaked havoc on Alabama. By itself, wreak means to give expression to; to vent. The word havoc, meaning devastation, derives from a French idiom, crier havoc, to cry (or shout) havoc!' The most familiar use of this word occurs in Antonys funeral speech in Julius Caesar: ANTONY: †¨Caesars spirit, ranging for revenge, †¨ With Ate by his side come hot from hell, †¨ Shall in these confines with a monarchs voice †¨Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war; Shouting Havoc! was the signal to begin battle, the result of which would be destruction. The verb reek derives from two similarly pronounced words that were familiar in Old English times. One meant to emit smoke and the other meant to emit a strong smell. Today the verb reek may have either meaning: The reeking chimney annoyed the neighbors. After putting gas in the car my hands reeked of gasoline. The homes and clothing of smokers reek of burnt tobacco. His actions reek of self-love. Bottom line: Chimneys, cigars, and bad relationships reek. Hurricanes, earthquakes, ice storms, droughts, and war wreak destruction and devastation. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:15 Terms for Those Who Tell the FutureEnglish Grammar 101: Verb MoodTypes of Plots