I have email evidence of Hob using the term for quite some time - will keep it for the OED when they come knocking :-)

I think Hob uses it as a tongue-in-cheek term of affection though, not to describe nasty stuff.

I see what you're getting at Nigel. The problem is that everyone has their own ideas about what constitutes 'bothering'. That leads to arguments, and to be honest I'm really tired of arguments.

It's not that I don't value discussion or debate, but it's the petty picking away at old topics that gets me down. I have two sons that provide me with a wealth of tedious bickering at home. I want this Forum to be an escape from that, not more of the same.

I say this, not in any way as a criticism of you Nigel, or any other individual here. It's just how I feel. Before anyone says I'm subverting this thread, that's not my intention. This is about labelling people, taking sides and creating negative factions.

Fourwinds asked how he should label himself, which is fine (he asked for that). As soon as we start labelling other people we're potentially back into conflict mode.

I never thought I'd hear myself say this but, "Bring back the fluff!".

K x

Interestingly, there was a news item on the radio recently about the number of words now in the English language - it's just about to hit one million.

French in comparison, has a mere 100,000. Ha! :-)

>It hits all the right buttons

I'm genuinely flatterred to hear you think so Nigel, but I'm not so sure myself. What I picture as stone 'bothering' is more in the manner of one of those market researchers who stop you in the street to answer questions about stuff. I often quiz stones about why they asked to be placed where they are, or why they decided to be carved in a particular way. I can only assume by their mute demeanour that they don't like being subjected to interrogation.

But you've hit on a thing here. There's a need for a (non-sweary) word for those who damage/litter ancient sites, such as those who splash paint, leave rubbish or bury things. Problem is, all of the ones I can think of are actually swearwords in their own right.

Stoniac!

Archelogopillockio.