English

Ms: The honorific with unintended meaning

And it may not be a meaning that applies to you or any way related to why you choose to be a Ms.

Ms has attracted such a range of meaning that even the editor of the Macquarie Dictionary, Sue Butler, feels that it may be time to update its entry.

Ms is older than you think

The honorific title for a woman — which, like its male equivalent Mr, was meant to give no clue as to an individual's marital status — has been traced back to the early 20th century.

Multi-lingual plays published in new book

"Talanoa: Four Pacific Plays" is the latest work from New Zealand-based Little Island Press.

RNZI reports the plays explore different aspects of Pacific people navigating New Zealand society as well as life back in the islands.

Olivia Taouma of Little Island Press also worked as a Pacific programmer for Auckland Council.

She said she helped co-ordinate a series of workshops at libraries to help Pacific writers publish and access a wider audience.

FIFA rejects Madrid, Atletico transfer ban appeals

World football's governing body initially imposed the punishment in January due to the capital clubs breaching rules in relation to the transfer of minors but suspended them later in the month, pending appeal.

Madrid and Atletico will now be unable to register new players until January 2018, with their respective initial fines of 360,000 Swiss francs and 900,000 Swiss francs remaining.

Messi has Barcelona contract for ever – Bartomeu

Contract negotiations are set to be opened with the 29-year-old in the near future, with Messi's current deal set to expire in June 2018.

Bartomeu is understandably keen to tie Barca's star man down to a longer deal, but he conceded the ball will be in Messi's court.

"[Messi] has all the years he wants [with Barcelona]," Bartomeu told ESPN FC.

"Lionel Messi is the best ever to play football in the history of the world and he plays with us.

Barcelona let Neymar stay in Brazil ahead of qualifiers

Neymar will make his return to Barcelona following the September international break after he was named in Brazil's squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador and Colombia.

The 24-year-old forward captained the home nation to glory at the Rio Olympics, netting a stunning free-kick in Saturday's final before scoring the winning penalty to defeat Germany and prompt delirious celebrations at the Maracana.

Drogba dismisses Villa rumours

Montreal Impact striker Montreal Impact Didier Drogba has laughed off reports linking him with a move to Aston Villa.

Social media went into overdrive when Villa owner Tony Xia claimed the Championship club were closing in on a "world class" striker.

Durant: Olympics were 'therapy' after free agency decision

Kevin Durant said playing for the United States in the Olympics was like "therapy" after signing with the Golden State Warriors last month. 

In a normal year, Durant would have nothing but months to be questioned about his decision with no basketball until camps open in late September.

Rio 2016: Quotes of the Games

Following two weeks of thrilling sports action, we take a look at some of the more memorable quotes from Rio 2016.

 

Words to inspire

Rio 2016: The moments that made the Games

While Rio 2016 endured more than its fair share of problems, the Games produced some iconic moments of sporting greatness that will live long in the memory.

From Neymar's penalty that lifted a nation, to Usain Bolt's 'treble treble' and Michael Phelps' 23rd gold, here we bring you 10 standout highlights.

 

Rio 2016: Games officially closed in spectacular fashion

A colourful and entertaining closing ceremony brought an official end to the Rio Olympics on Sunday.

After more than a fortnight of thrilling action, the Games of the 31st Olympiad came to an end.

Athletes and entertainers packed the Maracana Stadium, which was greeted by pouring rain.