A bit of scape-ism

4 comments July 1st, 2008

I received an inquiry on whether “streetscape” is a legitimate word. Yes, it is, but you have to look hard to find it.

I tracked it down in the Addenda section of the unabridged Webster’s Third New International, which means it undoubtedly will be a mainstream entry by the next edition.

The combining form “-scape,” in this sense meaning “a (specified) kind of view or scene,” has so far attached itself to “land,” “city,” “sea” and “water,” to name a few.

It’s not the same one used in “scapegoat” and “escape,” however.

And continuing my tradition of groaner plays on words, an “escape” is also something Superman wears.