Words and Ideas

I bought this old textbook from 1960 for a quarter. I’m not sure what a helicopter has to do with the English language, but those two teenagers on the cover are obviously fascinated by it—taking a moment to stare at it before going to the post office to mail letters.

The illustrations are pretty nice.

I skimmed parts of the textbook and appreciated how simple it is to read.

The part of this textbook I find most interesting is how it incorporates the social aspects of language—like manners…and making friends. Here’s a how-to guide of being a pleasant human being while conversing.

And here are pointers on how to give and take criticism. [Pause.] I don’t think I was ever taught this in school…although to be honest, I think many people stand to learn a few of these tips.

Short and Not So Sweet

Language isn’t a static thing; it morphs and changes as time goes on. The usage and popularity of words can shift often due to pop culture, technology and current events. Every generation speaks a bit differently than the former one, and the way the language changes can often be a mixed bag.

One aspect of language I’m not a fan of is the shortening of words, which seems to be more prevalent than ever. It’s not a new concept; people often want to make things easier and faster to say (“froyo” springs to mind). But likely with the advent of texting, abbreviating words has become even more commonplace, and then that shortening mentality easily turns into verbalization. I cringe when I hear someone shorten a word that doesn’t need shortening. I mean how lazy do people have to be change a two-syllable word to one syllable?

Words are useful. Words are fun. Words can create visual pictures. Words can transport you and make you think and feel and experience something. Words can say a lot. And while shortened words may have the “same” meaning as their unshortened counterparts, the impression they leave to me is an incomplete word. They just sound terrible to me, like they got amputated with a dull knife. And every fiber of my being just wants to finish that tortured fragmented word because they just make me so sad. [Pause.] Maybe it’s time I just buy myself a rocking chair and sit on a porch and complain about how my hip acts up when there’s a cold snap. [Sigh.]

That’s Interesting…

Just one word can say a lot. Some words are very specific in meaning and are instantaneously telling when used. For example “stodgy” and “vapid” are synonyms of “boring”, yet they have very different nuances; “stodgy” brings to mind something old and dreary (and my mind jumps to that stereotypical professor with those round patches on his jacket), while “vapid” brings to mind something empty and lifeless (like a life-size doll of a person). These two words may share some similarities, but the difference between them is vast.

However, some words are so vague that they can have many meanings and therefore mean practically nothing, like the word “interesting”. “Interesting” is so open that it can mean practically anything. It could mean “good” and “fun”, but it could also mean “stupid” and “ugly” (given the right situation).

“Interesting” has to be one of the most overused words used (and I know I use it all the time). It’s just such an easy adjective to use and it often just pops right out of my mouth without any thought, even though there are better more descriptive adjectives for a given situation. Sometimes it’s used sincerely (and something or someone really is interesting and intriguing), while other times it’s used to soften the blow. Like when someone says, “That’s interesting…” and the real meaning is “That’s stupid” (which is all implied in the tone of voice). So when someone says the word “interesting” I often think in my head, “Is this a good interesting or a bad interesting?” Because “interesting” is a word that’s often up for interpretation.

Milk Toast?

Sometimes you hear a word or phrase and it just passes by you because you aren’t familiar with it; you understand the gist of the word and that’s enough. So you don’t question what it means and quickly forget about its existence. But every so often a strange word or phrase will catch you off guard and you can’t let it go. Your curiosity wants to know what it all means.

Idioms, phrases and vocabulary are often a reflection of a certain region or specific time period, so if you’re not of that particular sphere, you may feel like people are speaking another language. I had that moment not long ago when my mom suddenly used the word “milquetoast” and I thought she was saying “milk toast” and I was quite confused (why was she bringing up food all of a sudden?).

She explained that it referred to a timid person. And I asked since when? Because I wasn’t familiar with it. So of course we then we googled it, and it’s an old term from the 1920’s that’s based upon a comic strip called a Timid Soul; the character, Caspar Milquetoast was bland—just like milk toast. So I learned something new (although I don’t know how useful that bit of knowledge will ever be…). But I’m sure I’ll notice this particular word now. If I’m watching an old black and white movie and someone describes another person as “milquetoast” I’ll know exactly what an insult that truly is.