The “Premier” Attended the “Premiere”

I don’t regularly see premiere and premier misused, but when I do, chances are someone’s using premiere when they mean premier.

Premier, of course, refers to a ruler such as Russians Vladimir Putin, Josef Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, etc., although its true definition is “first in position, rank, or importance” which applies to a ruler. It also can mean “first in time” or “earliest.”

Premiere, of course, refers to a first public performance or showing.

However, my dictionary also lists premiere as an adjective meaning premier. This goes back to 1768, although I can’t think of a time I saw the words used this way.

So keep it simple. Putin wants to see “Swan Lake?” Let him.

Until next time! Use the right words!

leebarnathan.com