Date:    Sun, 19 Nov 1995 10:36:28 EST
From:    Brian McInturff <turf@GELAC.LASC.LOCKHEED.COM>
Subject: Impact this, buddy
 
Sitting through a meeting the other day. I couldn't help but notice the
number of times the words "impact" and "impacted" were used incorrectly
(when the correct words would be "affect" or "affected.")  The only
valid uses of the words are when they refer to a collision, as between
a car and a train, or to teeth, as in impacted wisdom teeth, or to
something which is subject to compressed matter, such as a constipated
colon.
 
To have fun and stay awake in meetings, try to decide the best correct
definition when hearing the words.  An example would be, "Since John
can't be here Thursday, the schedule will be impacted."  I take that to
mean, "John is a release valve for the shit which builds up in the
schedule.  We need some other asshole to fill in for him on Thursday."