I read this thread precisely because the title was so awkward. "Alot Scared"? Who says "alot scared"?
Reading the question, I was actually dubious that Lois had said she was "alot scared". I thought maybe Roo's memory was playing tricks on her. (Sorry, Roo!
)
Even changing the phrase to "a lot scared", as Artemis suggested, didn't help. I just couldn't hear Lois saying that.
Until I read Stepper's post. That makes perfect sense. I agree with Stepper (and Laura). It was never intended to be grammatically correct; it was intended to be a play on words.
Which is not to say that we English-speakers don't slaughter our native tongue on a daily basis. I just don't think that was the case here. I think language, any language, is simply an amazing concept to begin with. The more languages I study, the more amazed I am. I have a profound respect for all languages, and a special place in my heart for my mother tongue, English. I am also fascinated with word games of all sorts. I actually find playing with words to be a way of paying homage to the language.
So, if Cat asked, "Weren't you even a little scared?", and Lois answered, "I was a lot scared", I don't cringe. I chuckle and say, "Go, Lois!"
- Vicki
