C. Devlin wrote:I was a little confused about the Monterey Jack issue, though, as I wasn't certain as to how to address the "jack" and what the etymology of the term is. So like any nerd worth her salt, I looked it up. Because it's apparently named after Monterey cheesemaker David Jacks, I'd be inclined to capitalize it.
I used to teach English as well, and I had the same look-it-up impulse as you. What's hampering me in the debate is the relative lack of common-usage consensus. I've seen it written all of the ways above, though I agree with you that some of the more authoritative sources seem inclined to go with Monterey Jack, due to its naming after a real person.
That also "looks right" to my eye. I think of "Monterey Jack" as the name of the cheese, so it seems weird to capitalize one word and not the other.
So I'm also inclined to go with Pepper Jack, since it's the same cheese, plus peppery flavor.
Anyone care to disagree, violently or otherwise? I'm looking for ammunition to win the debate or a good reason to concede the point, and I'm just as happy with either one!