“And a river runs through it” (with apologies to Norman Maclean)

gorge [gawrj]  – noun:  a narrow cleft with steep, rocky walls, esp. one through which a stream runs.

gorgeous [gawr-juhs] – adjective:   splendid or sumptuous in appearance, coloring, etc.; magnificent

It’s your native language, after all.  Why terrorize it?

Granted, I hardly flinched when the “fab” bandwagon rolled through town.   In point of fact, I was among the first to adopt the ultra-chic “fabu”  (pronounced fah-boo, as in “Dinner was fahhbu!”).  I have even been known to embrace the occasional “uber”, when an adverturous mood strikes (i.e., “Everything was uber-expensive!”).

Then it happened:  “gorge”. 

I didn’t even see it coming; (One rarely does).  “Those dresses were GORGE!” 

 Then it showed up on Twitter—a lot!  “Fashion week? Gorge!” 

It’s just an “ous”–three characters!   Why not change the “and” in your tweet to ‘&’–you’d practically make up enough for an “ous” right there, darn it!  But it was more than three characters.  It still is.  “Have you seen the new Mac colors for Fall?  Gorge!” 

Suddenly, it’s hip to be . . . gorge?  I submit to you, dear fashionable readers, that we must take action daily to ensure that ”gorge” (through which a stream or rivers runs) does not replace our beloved “gorgeous” (splendid, sumptuous, magnificent)! 

Quite simply, these “gorgers” must be stopped!  What can you do to make a difference?  When faced with the next sloppy, gratuitous use of  ”gorge” as a substitute for gorgeous, I ask that you withhold tacit approval, and respond with disdain.  (A simple eye roll will suffice.)  Only you can save English.