Is being thrifty good?

Dear Dr English,

Is it a positive or negative comment when somebody is referred to as ÒthriftyÓ? Could you please explain with an example? Thanks.

Sureeporn Chuchuen

A thrifty person is careful with his/her money; he/she saves money and does not buy things that are not needed. A thrifty person also does not waste things. The word has a positive meaning.
ÒSandy has saved a lot because she is thrifty and never goes shopping for fancy things.Ó

A word of similar meaning that gives a negative impression is ÒstingyÓ. A stingy person not only spends little, but also gives away very little because he/she wants to keep things, or save the money for him/herself.
ÒNo need to ask Jim; he is too stingy to donate, even when it is for a good cause.Ó

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Fun or funny

Dear Dr English,

Please explain when to use ÒfunÓand ÒfunnyÓ. Should the following sentence be ÒThe movie was funÓor ÒThe movie was funnyÓ? Thanks.

Somhatai Chaipanich

It can be either, depending on the context. If you are talking about something that is enjoyable, pleasant and not serious, it is fun. ÒFunÓcan also be an uncountable noun.
The kids thought it was great fun going camping and playing at the waterfall.
ÒHow was the movie?Ó ÒIt was fun and the music was marvellous.Ó
Funny things are amusing and make you laugh.
I like Uncle James. He always tells funny jokes at any occasion.
ÒYou should watch ÔAmerican PieÕ. It is very funny.Ó
However, in some contexts ÒfunnyÓ means strange, surprising or puzzling.
ÒIsnÕt it funny when a total stranger knows your name?Ó
ÒThe funny thing is how Jim knew our address when we had never told him.Ó

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Got a question? (drenglish_7@hotmail.com)
If your query is chosen for Ask Dr English, you will receive a Bt1,000 gift voucher.
To claim your price from Nation Educational Services, you must fax a copy of your ID card to (02) 317-2057.