possibly this is just recency phenomenon in which case it's still just as annoying*

[cimorene]

Is it just me or is "was sat" erroneously occurring in non-British fanfic narration on the rise over time?

*that is to say, very annoying, but not as annoying as "whilst"

Comments

[twistedchick]

It sounds like one of those verb constructions that originated in Latin but modified over time. Or else, it has a specific use (similar to someone in a courtroom "taking the stand")

[stranger]

Have seen this (reading in the U.S.) only in specifically British contexts. Fandom being what it is, I wouldn't be astonished if the usage has spread beyond its source. Languages seem to slop about the internet a lot faster than by printed word, and things get re-used or repurposed.

[copracat]

Whilst. Don't talk to me about whilst.

[pensnest]

Er. What's wrong with 'whilst'?

[mrkinch]

I thought it was just me going, what? and that it was one of many language shifts taking place while I wasn't noticing.

[krait]

I haven't noticed this one! But I've mostly been reading in older fandoms, so perhaps it's a newer thing.

My particular pet peeve lately is the "needs [verb]ed" for "needs to be [verb]ed" regionalism. Whatever region it's from, can they please come and take it back? It's clunky and makes me stumble over it every single time.

[anatsuno]

I noticed it in Brit-authored fics and yes it seems the usage is spreading to the point where I think I've also seen it in US-authored fics set in Britain or with British characters. I seem to remember British friends telling me (or writing rants?) that it was a mistake (or an obsolete formulation) even in Britain and railing that US fic-writers were mistakenly spreading it wider? but it was a while back already and I forgot. personally, it definitely annoys me more than whilst, which I find funny.