Language is an interesting thing. The ever-evolving definitions of old words and the introductions of new words in a language are fascinating. (Words like strategery and friending come to mind.) My recent encounter with a "Winter Storm Warning" has led me to a brief examination of the changing meanings of words in the English language, specifically American English.
Meteorology is an area of study that many have yet to understand. It has often been said that the weatherman's job is perhaps the easiest owing to his ability to always be wrong, but remain employed in his area of "expertise." Nonetheless, I wonder how meteorology has contributed to the American English vocabulary ways.
For example, I believe the word "warning" used to mean something more. I'm not blaming the National Weather Service for dumbing down the term. After all, the Department of Homeland Security might also be held in partial responsibility. In modern times, the word "warning" has evolved into a passing comment on something that might happen. For example, a tornado warning in southwest Missouri no longer means a tornado is on the ground. (In fact, a tornado warning may be issued for a small "hook echo" found on the radar image.) However, in the past the term carried more weight. A "warning" from a parent, for example, caused personal alarm and discomfort.
I wonder, then, what other words will change in the near future. This age of helicopter parenting and extreme caution has taken away power from once potent words. Will new words have to be introduced into the American English vocabulary in order to accurately portray certain messages? Perhaps strong blizzards in the future will lead to the declaration of "Potential Wintery Disaster" by the National Weather Service. Anyways... It's something to ponder.
No comments:
Post a Comment