Words are a big part of my business, but I’m always amazed at when certain words came into use. Since I primarily write historical fiction, I don’t want to have my characters saying a word that hasn’t even been invented. To help me with this I use a variety of dictionaries.
Merriam Webster is a favorite because it gives years of first use. It’s really fascinating to explore.
For instance did you know that “sabotage” wasn’t in use until around 1910?
And if you called someone a “nerd” prior to 1951, you were probably time travelling.
It’s thought that “nerd” came from a character in the Dr. Seuss book IF I RAN THE ZOO, circa 1950.
Words like “input” and “cholesterol” sound more modern, but have actually been around since 1888 and 1894 respectively.
Thankfully “chocolate” has been in use since 1604. But you couldn’t “rip off” things until 1967.
You could “strong-arm” someone in 1897, but you couldn’t “discombobulate” anything until 1916.
You could make a “goof” in 1915, but you wouldn’t call someone a “goofball” until 1950.
Amazingly enough a person could “compute” in 1616 and be “animated” in 1534, but you couldn’t “pinpoint” until 1849.
There were “rattletraps” as early as 1822, but not a single “fuselage” until 1909.
Words are so much fun and as an author I cherish learning new ones. I encourage you to have fun with words today and if you find something particularly surprising – share it here.
God Bless You!
Tracie
Very interesting, Tracie! I ended up reading it aloud to Erik this morning. We both enjoyed it :-)
ReplyDeletePatti Jo and Veronica saw my Facebook post yesterday, but I didn't want to give specifics there. I need prayers. I knew there were two SLP positions open in Wilson County Schools (my position since I'm contracted, and another position because another SLP is leaving). I was pretty much informed yesterday that they are interviewing two candidates for those positions. And even though the no-compete clause has been changed for my contract NEXT year, the current one states that I can't hire on with Wilson until 1 year after the contract ends. I needed just one more year with the county and then I could hire on for the position I've been working the last 3 years.
In an ironic twist of fate, I get told that...and then I come home and find an email saying that they need my help with the Extended School Year speech therapy children...
I'm hurting, ladies. My heart's in Wilson County. I don't feel like my company's shooting straight with me. After all this info yesterday, I call them and ask what they know, and I get told that they are "99.9% sure I'll be back in Wilson next year" I WILL have a job next year. I have a contract so they have to provide me something...but my heart's here, not in Metro Nashville...
First, Catherine, thanks for posting this. Didn't see your FB post and glad I can pray for you.
ReplyDeleteTraci, the MW dictionary is an invaluable resource for an author. I subscribe to the online version and look up words all the time to make sure it is okay in the year of my book.
You're so right. Words are such fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat does your dictionary say about 'tresses' and 'surmise'? I would be interested in knowing when they were first used.
Does that dictionary say anything about when words became obsolete?
Mary-Louise,
ReplyDeleteOne great website I just used is dictionary.com.
For tresses: Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English tresse < Middle French: plait or braid of hair < ?
Surmise: Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English surmisen < Anglo-French surmis ( e ), Middle French (past participle of surmettre to accuse < Latin supermittere to throw upon), equivalent to sur- sur-1 + mis (masculine), mise (feminine) < Latin missus, missa, equivalent to mit ( tere ) to send + -tus, -ta past participle suffix
No idea if the website tells you when words became obsolete, though.
Catherine, I'm sorry that you're going through this and saying a prayer right now. I pray God will give you strength as you walk this path. Hugs.
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ReplyDeleteCatherine, I'm praying for you, friend. And am so sorry this is happening. I'm asking God to rule and reign in your situation and am trusting that you'll end up where HE desires for you to be. And that he'll confirm that in your heart as well.
ReplyDeleteHere's something I just posted on FB. Hope it gives comfort. I'm right there with you, babe...
God often chooses roads for us to travel that we wouldn't choose for ourselves. I'm reminded of Exodus 13…
"When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through the Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea..."
(Exodus 13:17-18, NLT)
"...in a roundabout way." How many times has God led you and me down paths we did NOT want to go for reasons we could NOT understand. But He did. And does. He has our eternal best in mind, and sees our beginnings and ends so much better than we do (or can).
He can see the battles that we would face if we went the shorter route. So in his loving protection, he doesn't lead us along the main road, but along a longer path he's chosen just for us.
So when faced with the "roundabouts of life" and the "longer versus shorter" paths, I'm choosing to trust him. And I'm praying that on the journey to the Promised Land, I'll become more like him.
Much love, Catherine, and I'm praying...
Fun post today, Tracie! To me the most difficult aspect of writing historical fiction is making certain my characters only use words that were spoken during that time. It's so funny, because so many phrases and expressions we use now (and take for granted) would never have been spoken even at the turn of the century (late 1800s-early 1900s). ~ Dear Catherine, may I echo Tammy's wise words (thanks, Tammy!) and also say as painful as your situation is now, just remember the Lord loves you VERY much and HE has a special plan for you. Please know you're being covered in prayer as you go through this. Love, Patti Jo p.s. Waving to Miriam! I saw your comment about Jekyll Island on another blog---LOVE it there!
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies. Your prayers mean the world to me. I KNOW God has a plan and that His Will is being done...but gosh darn it, it hurts being in the middle of it!! :-P
ReplyDeleteTammy, shame on you! I was doing so well...and you made me cry again! :-) Thank you...I needed to hear/read it :-)
I loved reading about the history of words. I also have a MW dictionary(my favorite graduation gift. thank you mom!) that is by my side when I write. I noticed the dates not that long ago(how I missed them before, I dont know) and it has become such a great help in keeping my words in the right eras.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, you are in my prayers too. So many times in life we cannot see what God has planned, but just rest assured this situation hasn't taken Him by surprise. He loves you and has made provision for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you told us about this so we could pray for you. That's what this sisterhood is all about.
Tracie
I came back to say--
ReplyDeleteHi, Patti Jo! :)
Hugs again, Catherine!
Catherine, prayers for you to be at peace and serve joyously wherever God wants you to be.
ReplyDeleteTracie, Kelly and I are also addicted to the MW Dictionary.
Pinatas are 1885.
Bridal parties began in urban areas of the US in the 1890s, and the term "shower was used for the first time in 1904.(Small gifts were tucked inside the bride's parasol, so when she opened it, the gifts showered down upon her.)
Kelly recently stunned me with using "pimp" in a book. It is from 1640!
It's fascinating, isn't it?
Cathy
Great post Tracie!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, praying for you, I ditto everything that has been said. Going through transition very seldom "feels good". Would LOVE to interview a Butterfly when it first comes out of that cocoon...would like to hear if it thinks the transformation was worth it (as it checks out it's beautiful wings) :-) And that's what the Lord is doing in us, transforming us to be beautiful like Him. I am praying strength and peace for you during this time...one day and I pray soon, you will look back and say "Yeah it was worth it!" Sending love and hugs my friend. Veronica