You’re Smart, but That Smarts!
Phil from Traverse City
asked about the connection between smart (intelligent), and something that
smarts (hurts). Oddly enough, both meanings attach to the same word.
Tracing the meaning
through the centures by using the Oxford
English Dictionary makes things clear.
·
In 1225, smart meant severe and intense pain. Feel the smart! could
have been the cliché du jour.
· By
1300, pain had been stripped out, and the focus was now intensity. Smart
referred to a natural force or process that was strong, vigorous, bracing, and
keen.
· Roughly
a century later, smart meant a person who was quick in action or response; such a
person was lively, active, and prompt.
· By
1571, smart meant the now familiar clever, intelligent, and knowledgeable.
· In
1644, the focus was on something distinct, sharp, and clearly outlined.
·
Twenty years later, there was a shift to something delivered
quickly and sharply, as a blow.
·
Now we have smart mobs who are assembled through the use of
smart phones and other mobile devices and who may reach their destination in
smart cars.
Listen to Mike’s program in real
time every Tuesday morning, 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. EST, by going to wtcmradio.com
and clicking on Listen Now. You’ll
also find about a month’s worth of podcasts there under The Ron Jolly Show.
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