I\u2019m afraid disapproval is a feature of being old. Other people\u2019s cultural habits, street behaviour, political deceit, shallow relationships, celebrity mania can all evoke the dire of the elderly. The past doesn\u2019t deserve the rosy memories we can so easily surround it with; things \u2018ain\u2019t what they used to be\u2019 and often it\u2019s just as well. However one of the things I do get bothered about that brings out the worst in me, is the misuse of language. There are a few words that are thrown about without thought \u2013 particularly on television \u2013 which gets me going<\/p>\n
\u2018Iconic\u2019 is one such word. The Cambridge dictionary defines its meaning as \u2018famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time\u2019. It derives of course from the word \u2018icon\u2019, meaning a devotional painting or image in Orthodox Christianity. For the Eastern Church icons can be so evocative that they not only encourage worship but they themselves can be the object of worship. So the Concise Oxford dictionary narrowly defines the meaning of iconic as something that has the nature of an image or portrait. On one of BBC TV\u2019s excellent nature programmes the other evening, several animals and birds were described as iconic, the word used to describe their originality and rarity, the antitheses of popularity and fame.<\/p>\n
\u2018Incredible\u2019 is another devalued word. It derives from the Latin incredibilis \u2013 \u2018not believable\u2019. The Cambridge dictionary describes its meaning as \u2018difficult to believe\u2019; the Shorter Oxford goes further \u2013\u2018cannot be believed\u2019. But \u2018amazing\u2019 or \u2018very\u2019 is how the word is often currently used. I\u2019ve just heard a report from the floods in Somerset \u2013\u2018people here\u2019 said the reporter \u2018are incredibly fed up\u2019. No! \u2013 It is very credible indeed to be fed up when your house is under water. <\/p>\n
\u2018Passionate\u2019 is another word. The Cambridge dictionary says it indicates very strong feelings\u2019; the Encarta world dictionary is more explicit \u2013 \u2018showing sexual desire\u2019, but the word is used so loosely today \u2013 often by people selling something or themselves \u2013 that its depth is lost. I bought some bread yesterday. There was a little sermon on the supermarket bag it was wrapped in. \u2018At Waitrose we\u2019re passionate about bringing you the very best baked goods\u2026. our speciality range all share one special ingredient: attention to detail\u2019. Bread is important and I for one enjoy making it, but I can\u2019t imagine supermarket bakers having very strong or sexual feelings as they do their job. Perhaps I lack imagination.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s true of course that words change their meaning and anyone can make up their own language if they want to, so I suppose I have lost my case. However, I shall doubtless go on being irritated by the thoughtless use of language. <\/p>\n
But there are more important things to get irked about. <\/p>\n
Bryan<\/p>\n
See related links: Unexamined Words<\/b><\/p>\n