[Ads-l] A puzzle for prescriptivists

[Ben Zimmer]

I'd say "cold-email" is a verb and best hyphenated as such, to match
"cold-call" on which it's modeled. Both verbs draw on the meaning of "cold"
that OED labels "quasi-adverbial" ("without preparation, preliminary
performance, etc."), but that use of "cold" tends to appear after the verb
("call/email cold" vs. "cold-call/email").


On Tue, Jul 31, 2018 at 11:26 AM, Laurence Horn <laurence.horn at yale.edu>
wrote:

> Does “to cold email”, as in the subject line, count as a split
> infinitive?  If not (since arguably “cold-email” is a verb), Mr. Duane
> makes sure with his “how to effectively cold email” in the body of the text.
>
> LH
>
> > Begin forwarded message:
> >
> > From: T.J. Duane
> > Subject: How to cold email Yale alums (and get a response!)
> > Date: July 31, 2018 at 8:31:44 AM EDT
> > To: Laurence Horn <laurence.horn at yale.edu>
> >
> > Hi Laurence,
> >
> > You know the Yale network can be pretty powerful, right? The people who
> went to your school can really help you get ahead.
> >
> > But first, you have to actually connect with them (not just click
> connect on Linkedin). So how do you reach out to an alum you find
> interesting without seeming...totally awkward?
> >
> > Here are a few tips on how to effectively cold email an alum and a
> template you can use. (3 minute read) […]
> >
> > I hope this is helpful!
> >
> > Best,
> > T.J.
> >

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