Thursday, July 27, 2006

New Word of the Day

One of the new words being added to the Webster-Merriam dictionary this year is -- Mouse Potato: any person who spends an inordinate amount of leisure time at a computer.

It is interesting to note how modern technology not only changes our lifestyles, but shapes our vocabulary as we are moved along in the current.

It also amuses me to see how definitions evolve over time. For instance, in ancient times the word "shambles" referred to a meat market or butcher. Now the word's definition is: a scene or condition of great devastation. The connection is obvious.

I could be very modern and say to Hannah (even though I wouldn't, it is probably still warranted): you need to stop being such a mouse potato and clean your room, it is in shambles!

Yes, the meat and potatoes of vocabulary.

1 comment:

Kevin Porter said...

I saw the new words too, and thought much the same as you. If you explain the meaning today of mouse potato everyone goes "Yeah, that makes sense." Ten years ago, you would get nothing but blank stares.