Wednesday, April 6, 2022

“I’m fascinated by what the evolution of language tells us about economic development over the years.”
– Peter Coy –

I recently found myself pondering our ever-evolving language and the staying power of newer words. That’s when I came across the term “retronym.” Retronyms are new words created when technology evolves an item or a concept in such a way that the “new” must be distinguished from the “old.” (e.g. Both “dairy milk” and “landline phone” are retronyms). Now that I understand this, I find myself viewing slang and newer terms through a different filter. For more examples of retronyms, along with a deeper dive into what this means, Click here for the article ‘Meatspace’? Technology Does Funny Things to Language.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be strong. Lead well.

Chad