To the Editor:

I have no desire to join in the instructive controversy between Father Dahood and Mr. Himmelfarb [September], but I should like to express my surprise that in an argument that is primarily about language Father Dahood should use (and Mr. Himmelfarb should quote without protest) the word “careen” in the sense of “rush along at full speed”—that is, confusing it with “career.” “Careen” means to turn a ship on its side for the purpose of caulking or cleaning; it can also be used of a ship lying over in a wind. The confusion of “careen” with “career” is increasing in vulgar American usage; but it is strange to find it in an article by a distinguished scholar of language.

David Daiches
Sussex, England