With the 2012 presidential election fundraising heating up, it is important to make sure we actually know how to spell the word "fundraiser."
I had a brief moment of doubt yesterday when somehow the notion that "fundraising" should maybe hyphenated popped into my mind.
To my handy AP Stylebook I go.
There it is: fundraising, fundraiser –– "one word in all cases," says the AP bible.
Another word I've been seeing a lot in the election stories: gaffe. As in, Mitt Romney's latest gaffe.
The Webster's New College Dictionary says this:
"gaffe: a blunder; faux pas."
Don't forget the "e" in gaffe.
-- Actually, the second definition of the word "gaff" (no 'e') is "foolish talk; nonsense" or "to reveal a secret." In certain cases, this spelling may apply, but for general slips of the tongue in public, go with "gaffes," which only has one definition and is a stronger choice.
Here are some other election words to keep in mind:
Election Day, election night -- The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
Electoral College -- But it's "electoral votes"
From the latest AP style changes to timely copy editing reminders, check out everything you need to know to make your copy clean.