Thinking about the box

Add comment November 19th, 2008

Have you started your gift shopping? Does someone on your list want any of those specially packaged bundles of movies or TV shows? Does your list say “box set” or “boxed set”?

The latter seems more logical, but “box” can be an adjective meaning “packaged in a box,” which is certainly appropriate. And a quick scan of the Internet indicates that both terms are in wide use. I don’t know whether one seems to sell better than the other. If it does, the word will get out and that is what everyone will use.

Chances are, even if you prefer “boxed,” many people will think you’re saying “box” anyway. That “-ed” is one of the most difficult sound bites to hear in English. Witness, for example, how many people leave the “d” (or “-ed”) off “used,” “supposed” and “old-fashioned.”

And will “iced tea” finally go the way of “iced water” and “iced cream”? Only time — and usage — will tell.