In the past several weeks, many readers have criticized tampabay.com headlines that refer to the Gulf "oil spill." Tampabay.com reader Peter Duce wrote to us: "This isn't a leaking gas pump or even a damaged tanker,"complaining about our headlines.

Today columnist Carlton's addresses the issue:

"I admit I am picky about words.

Maybe it comes from growing up in a family of teachers, but I like them to mean what they say, down to the nuance. Sometimes when they don't, I become that lady in church who gives you a dirty look when you laugh out loud....

Which leads us to the dismal subject of oil, all that oil and precisely what to call what is happening in our gulf.

Isn't a "spill" what happens when the waiter sets down your plate and inadvertently jostles your water glass? Spilled milk is what you are not supposed to cry over. Or in this case, rage against..."

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