A solecism is a mistake in grammar. Usually I say “goof,” but lightheartedness doesn’t seem appropriate for this solecism. It has to do with the verb “to hang.” Here’s the illustration; look in the lower right corner:
The past tense of “hang” is usually “hung.” But when you’re mentioning someone getting killed by being suspended by their neck, the word is “hanged,” whether suicide, execution, or murder. I see too many professionals using the wrong verb lately. If you’re talking about death, it’s “hanged.”
Not a pleasant subject, but at least get it right.
This post first appeared on The Writing Rag.