[Vocabulary] fix-it Fred

[atabitaraf]

Read this letter to an advice columnist:

Dear Fix-it Fred,
I have a problem.........
....

What's the meaning of 'Fix-it Fred' here? That's an strange name, but I think that the part 'Fix-it' should be a name of a column in a newspaper or something, yes?

 

[emsr2d2]

Read this letter to an advice columnist:

Dear Fix-it Fred,
I have a problem.........
....

What's the meaning of 'Fix-it Fred' here? That's an strange name, but I think that the part 'Fix-it' should be a name of a column in a newspaper or something, yes?

Yes. Someone who writes an advice column can be said to "fix it" for people. He/she fixes problems so a nickname would be "Fix-it Fred".

 

[SoothingDave]

I would think he fixes stuff around the house and offers advice on those sort of thing. How to clean this stain on my driveway. How do I stop ice jams from forming on my roof.

 

[atabitaraf]

I found your answers helpful, thanks!
As a student I usually had this problem when I wanted to send a letter to someone in the authority of a journal but I didn't know their name, I used to write: 'Dear in authority!' is it OK?
ata

 

[Barb_D]

No, don't do that!
If you can't find the person's name, then use their title.

Dear Managing Editor:

Also, in the future, pelase start a new thread if you want to ask a new question that isn't related to the prior one.

 

[atabitaraf]

No, don't do that!
If you can't find the person's name, then use their title.

Dear Managing Editor:

Also, in the future, pelase start a new thread if you want to ask a new question that isn't related to the prior one.

Dear Advisor!
Related!
Thank you,
ata

 

[Barb_D]

By the way, if it's a printed publicaiton, then somewhere in the first few pages, you'll fine a full list of all the senior editors by name.