May 18, 2005
This Year's Newest Words
Those who know me rather well know that I'm far from being a mouse potato, don't really have any key pals, and am not hooked on a nutraceutical menu.
Some might laugh when I act like I'm really some well-aged arm candy.
That means, pholks, that I'm not a person who spends much leisure time at a computer, don't have an e-mail pen pal, not a fanatic about food that contains ingredients with purported health benefits. And think of myself, at times as an attractive person.
If a person doesn't keep up with the times, it can be difficult to really understand what is being said these days.
At first I was using a few of "This Year's Newest Words," a list of words and phrases which have evolved into everyday conversation.
Most of the words are rather familiar but some I haven't heard nor have had cause or desire to investigate. To understand "the full monty" means "to understand the whole thing." I'm pretty much aware of people and consider myself a good judge of character and other personal traits in the people I encounter Sometimes its just perception, other times its pure observation. But pholks, I have never known I was using my "gaydar" to recognize that another person is gay. I don't have "ED" erection dysfunction, but even if I did I would not talk about it to very many people. Only one person would need to know, and she would be aware and I doubt she would tell anyone.
I wouldn't know a "petsbyte if one bit me, (1024 or 1000 terabytes) but probably realize it has something to do with computer capacity. I will never be accused of DWB (driving while black) but admit hearing the term on "Law and Order, some radio or television talk show or a comedy routine.
When I've been in a "trance" it's been an experience on intense thought or daydream, not because of "electronic disco music with hypnotic/spiritual quality."
I haven't been hospitalized except during birth and surgery for a broken leg more than 45 years ago. Doctors were present both times. I would like a doctor present when and if I need one, but really shudder having to face being tended to be a "hospitalist' a physician who specializes in treating hospitalized patients. Just give me a good doctor to get me the hell out of there.
Well, pholks, we learn and live and that's a good thing. I pride myself in using the correct words and consider myself a stickler for good grammar. I don't say "I seen it" and I never say "I ain't got any". I've learned to adapt to contemporary language quite well. "No sweat," for the most part.
I still don't consider myself "a square" but I'm rather very picky about how I want to be perceived. I don't need to be "hippest guy in town, just up to date.
So far my memory is pretty good except for once or twice a day when I draw blanks on names and what I had for breakfast. Years ago an acquaintance used to say, "I have to stop and think twice before I give that a second thought." Well, I'm doing that a little more often these days. But still remember learning words in the 1950's, words like "aerospace, "geodesic dome' and "junk mail" and "skydiving." Words like "astronaut." "Sputnik" and "liftoff" and "beatnik" came in the 60's. Words like "desegregate" and "cold war" "hula hoop," "instant replay" and "cell phone" all have impacted our everyday lives.
The point is, pholks, if you don't learn something each day, or at last once a week, it doesn't take long to get left behind.
And it's been my experience that the view from that location is, with some outstanding exceptions, not pleasant.
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