Headlinese

[rsc]

One could fill a book (several have, in fact, been so filled) with headlines that make one look at least twice. I had one of those moments this morning, while reading the Boston Globe. First the main headline: "US, China called upon to step up greenhouse pledges". So far, so good. But then there's the subhead: UN chief calls time, funds key climate issues.

All right, who didn't read the first four words and wonder why the UN chief was acting like a referee? So you read on, and he's "fund[ing] climate issues"? Huh?

Oh. I see. Never mind.