Language fascinates me. I love words and how they evolve, a word that means something oneday, may have a completely different meaning on the next. New words are created and some old ones become obsolete. If we trace these evolving words, they are able to take us on a journey - through generations, lives and cultures. I will post details about some such words that catches my attention from time to time and would love your input in this.
Today's Word : Smart
Merriam-Webster Online has some interesting suggestion. For example "Making someone Smart" refers to causing a sharp sting! (Did you know this? I didn't)
When I think of the word Smart, I think of a clever person, nicely dressed, humourous, who holds himself/herself well. But today I was reading William Faulkner's Light in August an exchange of dialogues made me pause. Here is the excerpt:
Apparently he has never looked at her, not even when she got into the wagon. Apparently she has never looked at him, either. She does not do so now. 'I reckon you go to Jefferson a right smart.'
As I am not used to reading classics, at first I didn't quite grasp what this means until I read another sentence in the same conversation:
'No,' the driver says. 'I don't know that I know him. But likely there is a right smart of folks in Jefferson I don't know.'
In these two sentences the same words have slightly different meaning. First sentence refers to frequency and the second to number. May be in today's English 'smart' will be replaced by 'lot'.
'I suppose you go to Jefferson quite a lot'
"There's probably a lot of people in Jefferson I don't know.'
Very interesting. I would never have thought smart could be a synonym to lot, often, many and so on.
But then again, it probably makes sense. For example if you go to a place quite often, you would probably know the ins and outs of the place and appear more confident. Can't confidence mean smartness? I guess so.
hmm.. makes me ponder!
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 15
The original meaning of of the word was "stinging, sharp."
Two added uses to what you covered:
Fashionable; elegant: e.g. a smart suit
Energetic or quick in movement: a smart pace.
Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player.
And, let's not forget the acronyms like:
Super Music Action Ready Team (cartoons)
State of Missouri Alcohol Responsibility Training
I love words too Luna and once thought seriously about a career in linguistics....words are so fascinating and it seems they can change meaning from one city to the next and still retain their original flavor!
neat article Luna....and a great way to jump start my morning....and before cooff even! LOL
John, thanks very much for the additions. "Fashionable and Elegant" were the words I was scanning my brain for when I was writing this ( I must admit I was a bit sleepy), all I could think of was "well dressed" and "holds themselves well". ha ha! So thanks for summing up my ramblings.
Susan, we have a connection there! I wanted to take up linguistics too but ended up with economics.
I actually collect words in a journal. The obscure, the odd, funny, I love words.
Great article!
Enjoyed your article.
I once read a part in a thick book that said "if you can use these words in your writing people will sit up and take notice."
One word was "poignant". Please don't be disappointed but I can't remember the other nine. It was long long ago.
Can anyone around here suggest a few such words?
Your opening definition reminded me that when I was young our family used the word in the same context as: "Ow, that smarts!" and I had completely forgotten that we did.
Jann, I would like to keep posting other words in this series (when I am finally ready to stop day dreaming and actually DO something), thanks so much for being so inspiring :). Thanks for sharing the memory as well.. it's amazing when I look back, there are so many words we were used to and now don't use anymore but don't miss them either!