The website gozonews.com took another stab at reporting the local branch of the English Speaking Union this week.

Apparently, Michael Refalo said: "The English language has become the international language all around the world and the ESU promotes colder ties between English- speaking people."

Bank of Valletta's Gozo branch manager Jack Thewma apparently said: "We augur the Gozo branch of the ESU to achieve the success in Gozo as in other countries where it is present."

Most people know what 'colder' means, and will be baffled by the remark (if Dr Refalo said it). Most people in Malta - including a large number of journalists - have no idea of the meaning of 'augur' but use it frequently, probably because it sounds smart.

It does not mean wish, encourage, expect or hope. It means foresee or predict. I augur a long uphill battle for the ESU in the hands of Gozitans.

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