Pay Dirt

For the annual meeting of the Associated Press Managing Editors in Chicago last week. U.S. sports editors made up a list of the ten tiredest cliches used in sports writing. The winners, in order: "mentor" (usually "cagy" or "genial"), "inked pact," "pay dirt," "circuit clout," "gonfalon," "roaring back or out or from behind." "outclassed but game" (with numerous variations), "clobber," "gridders" and "cage or cagers."

No sooner had the A.P.M.E. announced the list than the Chicago Tribune came out with its own candidates. "We are glad to join in sneering," said the Trib, "but, from long association with the 'sports fraternity' (no mean cliche itself), we feel that the eminent editors have overlooked a few terms that yield to none in setting the teeth to grinding . . . The use of 'bobble' for error has a high rasping content, while 'Senior Circuit' for American--or is it National?--League has a suggestion of pomposity, like an overstuffed clubman in an overstuffed chair." Other Trib selections: "hits the hoop" (for shooting baskets), "squared circle" (boxing ring), "spouted claret" (bleeding), "comeback trail."

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