ext messaging is tipped to kill off written language as we know it.

Look back 100 years to see how much the English language has evolved. When was the last time you said: 'I say, old bean, that blighter's split his infinitive'?

It's possible that in 2105 there'll be modern editions of Gr8 Textpectations by Chrls Dkens.

Language is a living thing. It's a means of communication, not the end.

But for all its efficiency, text messaging sometimes, in its brevity, leads to ambiguity. This is nothing new - all that has changed is the medium.

There's the famous story about film actor Cary Grant, who kept his age a closely guarded secret. A reporter telegrammed him: "How Old Cary Grant?" To which Grant replied: "Old Cary Grant Fine, How You?"

Someone who was unequivocal in his or her message was the reader who penned a stinging letter to me about this column. The correspondent criticises my piece about foul-mouthed shop staff.

The person says Way of the World is 'tittle tattle', and suggests I 'mind my own business', improve my 'very limited skill as a journalist' and 'go back to school'.

Furthermore, I'm in league with the council, while this newspaper is fit only for lining a budgie cage, according to the angry correspondent.

Phew! That's me told.

Of course, everybody's entitled to his or her opinion. Freedom of speech is one of the sacred tenets upon which our country is built.

I just think whoever wrote the letter undermines their argument by not having the guts to put his or her name to it.