From headsup: the blog (thanks to Language Log for the pointer):
Today’s lesson: If something looks or sounds like nonsense, back up a second and see if the fault is on your end. This one appears to have slipped by in the urge to get in the latest and newest on Those Missing Boy Scouts:
“We think it’s most likely that they realized it was late and they bedded down for the night,” said Charity Sharp, of the Cruso Volunteer Fire Department in southern Haywood County. “They were prepared. They knew what they were hacking into. The scout leader is familiar with the area and knew what kind of terrain they were hacking.”
Bet she didn’t…. [A]s a near-30-year resident of the fair state in question, HEADSUP-L is inclined to suggest that Ms. Sharp said “hiking.” … If you’re going to be the Foremost Newspaper of your state, you need to know how its people talk.