Event.
Especially with Labor Day next Monday, that’s the word Grumpy Editor sees gaining use in TV commercials and in newspaper ads.
Used as a substitute for sale, event doesn’t quite zero in on the activity being touted since it means occurrence, happening or episode. Yet, it’s a growing favorite, especially with car manufacturers and car dealers. It’s also popular with retail stores.
What would happen if you heard “year-end automobile happening.” Or “visit our occurrence today.” Or maybe “hurry to see our episode this week.”
Those pitches wouldn’t stir many shoppers.
So what happened to the vanished sale?
Unfortunately, sale has been laid to rest with many advertisers, although sometimes one sees “sales event."
Yet, sale remains more direct since it involves “the act of selling” or “a special disposal of goods.”
One advertiser manages to get “sell” (sort of) into a pitch by promoting “sellathon.”
But sale isn’t frowned on everywhere.
Fortunately, signs continue to go up on front lawns of houses that still read: "For Sale.”
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