The previous article introduced the phrase “bury the lead” (Too long; didn’t read?). The issue lies with the three words! Some people specifically checked the TV show clips I provided and sent me screenshots:
They also asked: The Chinese subtitles are incorrect, I understand. But what about the English subtitle that uses “lede”? Didn’t you say “lead”?
Wow, I am so happy! If everyone paid this much attention to what I write, I would wake up laughing from my dreams! Let me quote Sally Field:
The issue of “lead/lede” was not mentioned by me intentionally because its audience is too small; people outside the journalism field don’t need to know. (Once they know, they might get tangled up in which is right or wrong, when both can be used.)
However, since someone wants to know, I am happy to explain.
“Lede” is a technical term used more frequently in the journalism industry.
“Lead” is a common term used by people in any industry.
So,whether you use “lede” or “lead”, there is no problem.If you want to define it, this is a matter of personal preference.
When I was pursuing my master’s in journalism in the U.S., my teachers always emphasized the KISS principle (KISS is a good thing), to use simple and common words as much as possible, ensuring that your audience has no confusion. Therefore, the teachers’ preference is “lead”. Influenced by them, my preference is also “lead”.
If your preference is for the relatively lesser-known, more sophisticated “lede”, then feel free to use “bury the lede”. I won’t stop you because “lede” is not a spelling mistake.
However, you need to remember that“lede” only started to be included in dictionaries gradually after 2008, and many dictionaries still do not have the entry for “lede”. Moreover, if you like using “lede”, you have to withstand similar ridicule:
You schmucks who use ridiculous journo-terms make me crazy! Finally, someone is willing to speak out against the use of “lede” in public. Because, ha ha, sucka, there’s no reason for it! (Plus, MOST OF YOU ARE JUST BLOGGERS.)
—Choire Sicha, The Awl, 19 Sept. 2011
In summary, I recommend everyone use “bury the lead”.
Please kindly click “Read” or share this so more people can see this article. Thank you!