Discreet incorrect use fellow pedants only please read

[kettlecrisps]

I must relieve myself of this particular one before I build up too much steam as it is starting to set my teeth on edge! The word in question is "discrete".

In particular it seems to be used by people claiming to have an excellent grasp of English and pulling other people up!For example in threads claiming annoyance at people using their/there instead of they are etc.

OK discrete - distinctly separate
discreet - modest etc.

Thanks I feel a lot better now.

Yes. Private Eye personals used to be a particular haven for "discrete" relationships, although from the way that it changed once a fellow-pedant wrote in to complain I suspect that it could be traced to one clueless individual in the classified ads department rather than to a horde of confused advertisers.

Oh God yes! It's doing my head in. It's going to end up like bloody "barbeque" - so common it's virtually accepted as correct.

I have an embarassing confession. I used to use the word 'discrete' professionally (statistical analysis) and I hardly ever got it right when writing it. It's just something that I've tried too hard with and now have a complete mental block over.

Round here, most private hire cars seemingly accept "advanced bookings only".

It's printed on the doors.