As a college teacher, I often reminded students that the number-one asset gained from applying themselves to their studies is the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Rachel, an excellent student in the creative writing course, asked, “Professor, shouldn’t you also include ‘correctly’ and ‘accurately’? We have all heard of instances in which ambiguous communications led to unintended — and sometimes disastrous — consequences. In fact, you explained recently how double entendres, gaffes, and mixed metaphors sometimes communicate the exact opposite of an intended message.”