The Curious Case of the Editor in Chief: Why “In” Wins Over “&” Every Time

By Cliff Potts, WPS News, Editor-in-Chief
Baybay City | January 13, 2025

Ah, the editorial world—a place where ink meets paper, where headlines are crafted with the precision of a master chef slicing a delicate soufflé, and where titles reign supreme. But among the numerous badges of honor in journalism, none sparks as much debate (and, let’s be honest, confusion) as the illustrious title of “editor in chief.” What does it mean? Why is it “in chief” and not “& chief”? Buckle up, fellow wordsmiths, because we’re diving into this delightful conundrum with a sprinkle of humor!

First off, let’s talk about the man, the myth, the editor in chief. This role is not just about sipping artisanal coffee while casually tossing phrases like “content strategy” around like confetti at a parade. No, our hero—the editor in chief—holds the revered title, one that comes with a gilded chair (or perhaps it’s just a comfy office* chair with some stylish cushions? We can dream!) and a mountain of responsibility that resembles the looming stack of unanswered emails in your inbox.

Now, you might wonder why this enigmatic figure is dubbed “in chief” rather than “& chief.” After all, wouldn’t “editor & chief” sound like a trendy duo, maybe even a superhero partnership ready to save the day at the next print deadline? Imagine them swooping in, capes fluttering, armed with red pens and sharp wit! But alas, “& chief” suggests a buddy cop scenario, where teamwork rules the day—while “in chief” indicates that this editor holds the keys to the kingdom (or at least the office* supply closet).

Let’s break it down. The phrase “in chief” is steeped in tradition, invoking visions of military leaders and esteemed rulers who have total command. When you hear “in chief,” it suggests that this person embodies the role, much like a cat embodies the essence of aloofness (and let’s face it, about as much as a cat cares about your opinion). The editor in chief is not just any editor; they are the top dog, the big cheese of the editorial realm, the one making the final call on whether that pun about penguins makes it to print (spoiler: it probably should).

Now imagine if we scrapped “in” for “&.” It could lead to chaotic editorial meetings filled with debates about the superior use of oxford commas while lacking any decisive direction. “Hey, what do you think, editor & chief?” Those two might end up lost in a rabbit hole of syntax for hours, or worse, engage in a pun duel that never quite ends.

And speaking of endless debates, let’s take a moment to appreciate the grammatical genius behind “in chief.” “In” implies an exclusivity, a certain air of gravitas, like walking into a fancy restaurant and being greeted with “Welcome, your majesty” compared to the more casual “Hey there, buddy!” It sets the tone; it indicates that the editor in chief is not just anyone—in fact, they deserve a throne suitable for kings and queens of the comma.

So, dear readers, while we adore the idea of an “editor & chief” chasing down runaway headlines and battling print deadlines together, let’s tip our hats to the valiant “editor in chief.” This title captures the essence of leadership, authority, and possibly even a flair of dramatic flair. It’s the title that signifies not just someone who edits, but rather the one who steers the ship through the ever-stormy seas of editorial decision-making.

And there you have it, folks! Next time you hear the phrase “editor in chief,” just remember: it’s about owning the title, embracing the responsibilities, and being the captain of the editorial ship—complete with a humorous cape and an endless supply of coffee. So raise your mugs, editors of all stripes, and let’s toast to “in chief” for bringing just the right amount of authority—and a whole lot of style—to our beloved field of journalism!

*My office doesn’t look this good.