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Chris -- 2018-04-11

#1 2011-07-22 14:43:18

kem
Eggcornista
From: Victoria, BC
Registered: 2007-08-28
Posts: 2851

leanient << lenient

In the seventeenth century “lenient,” derived from a Latin word for “smooth,” was used to describe something soothing, relaxing. By the eighteenth century “lenient” had extended its meaning to the sense that most of us know today: mild, easy-going, non-judgmental, merciful.

The web contains thousands of pages with “lenient” spelled “leanient.” “Lean” would be a natural word to hear in the term “lenient.” A leanient judge leans toward the defendant’s case. A leanient creditor leans over backwards to help you out of your debt. A leanient law leans away from assigning guilt.


Hatching new language, one eggcorn at a time.

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#2 2011-07-24 12:23:56

burred
Eggcornista
From: Montreal
Registered: 2008-03-17
Posts: 1112

Re: leanient << lenient

Good eye. I’ve tried to put together some of the hits that appear to support the interpretation of “lean”.

That is one of the most leanient pieces of trash “journalism” that I have ever read. I beleive the technical word for this is political propaganda
Political leaning, fishing forum

you can be a little leanient on the gas
Lean fuel mixture helps you to pop wheelies

Our systems seem to be too leanient (sp?) on them these days, leaning more towards rewarding them (yes, in certain cases I have seen/heard of this happeining).
Get tough on crime

i hope hes as leanyant on me when i stand there for i to have danced with the devil
At the Pearly Gates

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