1937 and all that

[threemonkeys]

Browser.
OK, what did you think of when you read that word? Did you think of the computer software that renders HTML into visual images. Or did you think of somebody who goes into a store and looks at the merchandise. I have just been reading an old story where the older meaning was the one intended. It took me quite a pause before I twigged.

Date Stamp
Later in the same paragraph as browser, came this phrase. Again I stopped and had to decode it as one of those rubber stamps used in conjunction with an ink pad to put a date in the back of a library book. Nothing to do with computer storage of a field recording when a record was written/updated.

Well the story was written nearly 70 years ago. Funny, I notice language shift regularly but it has been a while since it has hit me so obviously.

Comments

Language

[lobelet.livejournal.com]

Language shifts are fascinating. Just think how the word gay has shifted meaning in our lifetime. Also look at the words that have vanished because we no longer have a use for the concept. Farthing, thre'penny bit, a tanner and a bob. Half a crown.

As a child I could spend my pocket money on gobstoppers and frozen jubblies - but I bet I can't now. Neither can I buy a record or a reel-to-reel tape recorder.

Re: Language

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

Interestingly records can still be purchased in a few specialist stores. But the language shift means that you now have to ask for "vinyl". According to one of the more trend conscious members of our Marketing department, turntables and vinyl records have some retro chic going for them now. Go figure.