Latin Words We Love Too Much NYT Blog After Deadline

     After Deadline examines the grammar, usage and style by writers of the Times. This blog addresses the use of the Latin word "bona fides." This word is best replaced with words like “good faith,” “sincerity” or  “credentials” because it is singular and its multiple meanings could easily be misunderstood by readers. It is better used in commercials, for example, the famous Popeye's commercial advertising their "bona fides" chicken, but in print, the interpretation of this word is left up to readers and writers have to be mindful that this is not a plural word.