Interestingly when someone says something out of place (whether that is because of time, place, to get attention, or misuse) we can become jarred by it. For example, if I say someone just got a "flat-top" or you drive a "flip-top," you might be confused, depending on your ability to translate an out-of-date phrase. Well, let me enlighten you: a "flat-top" is a men's hairstyle which probably will make a come back any day. And a "flip-top" is a convertible car.
Awesome flat-top
Even awesomer flip-topDr. Seuss is famous for this. In his book, If I Ran a Zoo, Dr. Seuss was the first person to document the word nerd. Some people believe he invented it. I like to think he did. So here is a picture of the first "nerd."
Another famous author made up his own words in the famous poem, "Jabberwocky." Lewis Carroll created the famous words "chortle" and "galumphing." If you don't know this poem: find it and read it! It's awesome.
I like it when authors are courageous enough to push the boundaries of language. It makes life more interesting, vibrant, and creative!
Do you know where the word "yahoo" originated? Hint: in a book about someone's famous travels.
Language is a curious thing. I think another interesting bit is the fact that each conversation is governed by a set of rules. Although we may not be aware of it, we abide by specific guidelines that are understood each time we talk with another individual.
ReplyDelete-M. Marks
I think it's awesome when new words are invented. I wonder if all the hip hop artists know that Shakespeare was the one who invented swagger?
ReplyDeleteand the answer to where "yahoo" originated is....?
ReplyDeleteThe word "Yahoo" was invented by Jonathan Swift for the Travels. He and his friends used the word among themselves while Swift was writing he book, appearing in their correspondence.
ReplyDeleteIn part IV of the Travels - Houyhnhnm Land, Gulliver initially mistakes the Yahoos for beasts, or cattle, since they are so repulsive in appearance and action. Eventually he concludes they are human, possibly descended from a pair shipwrecked long ago. Once Gulliver determines humans and Yahoos are the same, he begins to call all people "Yahoos." (http://www.faeriekeeper.net/the2002.htm)
There ya go....-Kody Hansen
Have you ever heard anyone use the expression, "They are a bunch of yahoos"? It is like old-person speak but we could work on bringing it back.
DeleteThank you Kody. You really are a great guy.
DeleteEven within your post you changed language and word use by using the word "Awesomer" hahah! Although that word may not be in any academic dictionaries, we all know EXACTLY what you meant by it because of the context and our social backgrounds. We do this all the time. Not only do we invent new words but we also change meanings of certain words. For instance, 'sick' or 'ill' could mean 'awesome' and 'cool'. As humans, our very nature is dynamic and fluid, so it only makes sense that our language changes right along with us.
ReplyDeleteNice job! I am impressed how you noticed how I was tweaking the word "awesome." I hadn't even realized what I was doing until you pointed it out! That's cool. Thanks for the comments!
DeleteI love the dynamics of words and how words are always describing something and based on the context the same word has different meaning. I liked the comment above about, "ill" "sick" and even lots of people describe something as "awesome" with the word "dope". Its great how new words come into play. That was interesting to learn that Shakespeare was the one to come up with "swagger".
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned in a previous comments, some people change the meanings of words. The examples giving were "sick" or "ill" means "awesome" or "cool". I remember one time I was hanging out with an exchange student from Spain at an ice cream place. When she got her cookie dough ice cream she said "wow, lots of cookie dough" and someone said "That's sick"...she paused and did not continue to eat her ice cream. She didn't want to eat it and didn't understand why is was so gross. We later explained that "sick" could also mean "awesome". I don't think she understood, but continued to eat her ice cream. I really liked this post! I honestly had no idea Shakespeare created SO MANY words! That's absolutely tight! :)
ReplyDeleteWords are so interesting. I really enjoyed when we did the storytelling paper. I was intrigued by how people used stories to pass down traditions, and even to survive. Words can do so much. Martin Luther King Jr. is a prime example of this. He used only words to combat the injustices of the day, and look how well it worked. Words are incredible!
ReplyDeleteI honestly had to look up the Shakespeare statement, and was floored to learn the amount of words he created.
ReplyDeleteThen I had to look it up, and found that each year, the dictionary accepts an average of 4000 new words!
I didn't know that Shakespeare invented that many words! That is so crazy. He was such an inspiration! And I totally agree about what you said about authors pushing boundaries when it comes to language. I think there needs to be more of that because then we would have more creative stories to read! :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting how Shakespeare invented that may word, he definitely was a very creative guy. I have noticed and find it interesting that new words and phrases are created and go close to extinct in a very short period of time, just like fashion. Who knows what words will be created in the next few year!
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