Letter: Usage and abusage

Sir: Marius Pope (letter, 26 April) complains about the pronunciation of "sixth", "drawing" and "secretary" on the BBC and he asks whether standards are deteriorating.

The answer is that they undoubtedly are. There's been a distinct fall in standards of pedantry from people who've got nothing better to do than whinge on about the BBC failing to pronounce words correctly (that is, as they do). They should cease getting a life and resume correspondence immediately.

PETE BARRETT

Colchester, Essex