Quote Originally Posted by Jay Gould View Post
I await with baited breath for Artie's impressions which I will admit will probably be the most influential of all reviews in my decision process.
Sorry Jay, there are no worms or killifish or greenbacks in my mouth....

On the word "bate:

"To moderate or restrain (a variation of "abate"): to bate one's enthusiasm, and, "to lessen or diminish," and "with bated breath - in a state of suspenseful anticipation."
"Bated breath" has been around a long time. Here's the first cite in the Oxford English Dictionary: "1596 Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice i. iii. 125 'With bated breath, and whispring humblenesse.'"

So waiting with bated breath is of course correct. Waiting with baited breath is wrong but the word is so commonly mis-used that it will likely soon be acceptable. Bummer.

Respectfully.