The De-Evolution of the English Language

It came to my attention recently that the word "ginormous" has been accepted into Webster's as a legitimate word. The rationale for this completely eludes me. I've been told that the English language, like a living organism, must continue to grow and change, in essence, to evolve, and that is why words like "ginormous" need to be added.


I beg to differ. Yes, the English language must and does constantly evolve, based on changes in culture and the need for new verbiage as older terms become outmoded. "Outmoded" itself is a relatively new word, having been coined at the beginning of the 20th century. Among other reasons, it replaces other words, such as "passé," a borrowed term from the French, acquired around the same time as our Declaration of Independence. Not to say that the Declaration is passé, of course.


The point being that words coming into being to fill a void where either a word is old enough that its original meaning has been lost in current usage, or, as in the case of "flash mob" or "waterboarding," a new one needed to be coined to define a never before seen or explained phenomenon. This is the essence and soul of any language -- its ability to adapt and to change, over time, becoming stronger and more stable.


Alternately, frenemy ("friendly enemy") and staycation ("stay at home vacation") seem to do no more than cause speakers to become lazier in their thinking, as well as their speech. Have we become so enamored with saving time that we can't speak two or three more syllables, but have to shorten and cannibalize when perfectly good words already exist?


Which brings me back to ginormous. The word is a coupling, if you will, of "gigantic" and "enormous," both of them implying extra-large size, with "gigantic" being used in comparison with others of its kind as in "a gigantic elephant," and "enormous" having the additional connotation of an abnormality or monstrousness. "Ginormous" adds nothing to the mix, except a certain cuteness which will date it quickly.


If language evolves, then it stands to reason that words should be subject to the survival of the fittest scenario. Some, due to their uselessness and redundancy, need to die.


Requiem in pace, ginormous... and  good riddance.

A Poor Attempt

I've discovered through a somewhat aborted attempt at NaNoWriMo that I am not good at lots of words in a short space of time, so this blog will be an attempt to circumvent that. This will be an occasional blog, one of those that appears at the wit and whimsy of the writer, when inspiration raises its 'lil evil head or when a need to comment on a particular subject crops up.

In either case, I hope not to disappoint, to bring some enjoyment into your life, Dear Reader, or, if need be, to agree to disagree. Bear with me, we have long to travel.