Once again, they get it wrong.

[Totally Tunsie]

KKKarolyn Leavitt, holding a press briefing today in the WH, announced that "President trump signed a directive today ordering flags to be flown at half-mast" (referencing the MN shooting).

Repeat after me, dumbbell: Staff if on land; Mast if at sea. Got it?

[yorkster]

1. According to Wiki the terms are used "interchangeably ",

though half-staff is "preferred" on land, er, shore.

[Totally Tunsie]

2. I prefer the preferred manner.

https://www.federalflags.com/blogs/federal-flags/the-difference-between-half-mast-and-half-staff?srsltid=AfmBOooyISAG0mJd-4bV9SS2YsUWGB_jhPc9ABwLv6sk5sOfDpHf73Oh

Half-Staff Flags
It’s a bit of a custom in the English language to assign certain words exclusively to maritime use. Anyone who’s ever been on a recreational boat knows that left and right become “port” and “starboard,” or that front and back become “stem” and “stern.” American English observes a distinction between land and sea when it comes to flying flags in mourning. In the United States, therefore, flags flown on land are not flown from masts, but from staffs.

However, the United Kingdom and the rest of the English-speaking nations that once comprised the British Empire have had no qualms about bringing the term “half-mast” to dry land. The Associated Press Stylebook recommends “half-staff” in American usage, but a trip across the pond or even a trip across the Canadian border will find flags on land flying at “half-mast.” So, use the term “half-staff” at home in the States—unless, of course, you’re an inveterate Anglophile.

To summarize, "half-staff" is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. It is a term used to describe a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole. When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a similar message of respect and mourning. This custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel, or in response to a significant national tragedy.

[yorkster]

10. You know, I've been wondering if maybe

this is a regional thing. I've spent most of my life in New England, not far from the coast and have heard mast over staff most times. (Sounds painful, doesn't it?)
So maybe the British usage lingered longer here?
In any case, you are correct. No arguing with that source. But I may have to stick to the mast (!!) as it does roll off the tongue more easily, so to speak.
And yes, Leavitt is odious.

[Totally Tunsie]

11. LOL - Born and raised New Englander here too!

[yorkster]

12. Darn, there goes my theory..oh well. Cheers

[Totally Tunsie]

13. Back atcha'!

[Wounded Bear]

3. Meh, I've seen and used both/either...

Maybe ease up on the semantics and fight actual battles.

[Redleg]

5. As a Marine, I bet you have

Semper Fi, from a dog-face.

[Wounded Bear]

6. Ooh-rah! nt

[Redleg]

4. I am at half-staff right now.

It's just how I slump in my chair when I am sitting. Nothing dirty about it.

[unc70]

7. Isn't it supposed to be fully raised, then lowered to half?

[Totally Tunsie]

8. That is correct.

[Jerry2144]

9. When we see that particular obituary, I'll fly my flag at

Double-staff. I’ll have to add an extension to the flag pole to make our taller. But not too tall, I don’t want the flag to burn from all the celebratory fireworks