The Aggravating ‘Trade’

I like to write with background noise. In summer, the play-by-play of a baseball game emanates from a television set behind me and my computer.

The volume is always soft and low. Barely audible.

But there is one aggravating phrase that always pierces my ears, stops my writing, and makes me want to throw something at the TV. It is when a baseball announcer says, “He is an outfielder by trade.” Or “an infielder by trade.” Or “a pitcher by trade.”

No, no, and no!

A trade refers to an occupation that requires certain skills. A young adult would not say, “I would like to pursue a trade like carpentry, nursing, or outfielding.”

At this point, I turn the TV off and write without background noise.