May 21, 2009: Issue 290
Last week we discussed heavenly words. This week, let’s head the other direction.
hell, hellacious, hellish
lowercase in all references
When the contractor disappeared, these homeowners found themselves in renovation hell.
Learn to recognize poison ivy or you’re in for a hellish itch.
limbo
lowercase a state of uncertainty or oblivion; capitalize the place for the unbaptized
Their travel plans were in limbo while they waited to hear from the cardiologist.
The painting over the fireplace depicts souls drifting in Limbo.
purgatory
lowercase in all references
After the purgatory of an August drought, the garden was blissfully drenched in September.
Theological note: In traditional Roman Catholic teaching, purgatory is a place where souls can be made ready for Heaven. It’s not eternal damnation. Limbo is generally believed to be a permanent not-quite-heaven for babies who die before they can be baptized.