Interesting Quote by Kory Stamper
“What makes autocorrect really interesting for a lexicographer is we read in a very weird way. A lot of times we'll catch things that are so clearly autocorrect typos, and you learn to tell the difference between an honest-to-goodness, ham-fisted typo and an autocorrect typo because the latter will not necessarily be a difference of one letter apart on the keyboard, which is usually what typos are, or it won't be the wrong its or the wrong there.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Lexicography Talk, 2020
Lexicographers notice autocorrect errors because they read text differently, spotting patterns that differ from typical typing mistakes.
In simple terms: Lexicographers spot autocorrect errors due to unique reading habits.
Key Takeaway
Observe how context reveals autocorrect mistakes.
Themes
language
reading
technology
errors
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
observational
educational
When to use this quote
- editing
- proofreading
- software testing
- language research
Key Concepts
lexicography
error detection
human‑computer interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reading style affect error detection?
- Can tools be trained to mimic this skill?
A Different Perspective
Autocorrect errors can be subtle and require deep linguistic knowledge to identify.
