WHAT’S THA WORD?

When artists such as Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott choose to use non-words such as “supa,” “tha” and the ubiquitous “gangsta,” please don’t condone it by including any of these “words” on your cover (“Hits and Missy,” by Marc Weingarten, Feb. 1).

If the artists want to exhibit their illiteracy in the titles of their songs or albums, I suppose poetic license is accorded. The writers and editors of The Times, however, should know better than to use gibberish in their articles, especially when the chatter is masquerading as legitimate use of English.

THOMAS A. DERSE

Camarillo

Thanks, Missy, for another reminder why I should continue to hone my writing craft. I look forward to the day when I can quit my day job as a corporate assistant or, as I like calling it, “a glorified waitress.”

It’s nice having leaders like you to encourage me that with hard work and perseverance, I can do it too. Keep up the great work. You’ve earned your props.

SHEBA SHIVER

Venice