How do authors of a dictionary choose new words for the updated edition (of the dictionary)? I couldn't imagine a modern version of Delphi, where they must summon Shakespeare's spirit. There might be a cult out there, where a statue of Hamlet's father would be preserved. And then there was the Jane Austen Club. My dorm mates thought I was sick, as they attributed it to the sudden drop in temperature. Autumn seemed to inspire the likes of me, as the short days and the change of colors could mean different things to different people. Words and music won't be a part of it.
Iain, whose family hailed from York, once told me that a blockbuster was once defined as a bomb. His grandfather told him, which made me wondered about Charlie Chaplin's works. I was certain that some of his silent films ended up as lemons, but Iain was uncertain about it. We were almost in stitches when he recounted the history of “alcohol.” It would be an eye shadow, which Elizabeth Taylor might refer to it (during the production of "Cleopatra"). And I was surprised to find out that bimbo used to be identified with the male gender. Iain rolled his eyes, as he reminded me about Whit Stillman's screenplays on twentysomething from yesteryear. I did recall how yuppie had a derogatory meaning among New Yorkers.
This subject was brought up during my conversation with Professor Rose, who happened to be my tutor. He told me that moment could be quantified, as it was agreed that this very brief period of time would span ninety seconds. He surmised that such a time wouldn't strike a chord among readers, so imagination would be required. (And thus the moment.) How about "period of time"? It rather seemed redundant, if not insignificant. "Pause" could be shorter than "moment," and writers (and linguists) might have debated about it. And then there was a pressing matter on my cupboard. This was what a table used to be called during the old days.
Overeating when I wasn't done with my assignment
I don't have health and fitness goals during the term, as junk food would keep me company during those solitary hours. I was referring to my assignments, not to mention examinations and Reading Week. My coursemates were envious of my high metabolic rate, as the pizza and chips hardly affected my lanky frame. I could imagine a black hole in my digestive system, but I was pulling a leg.
It came to a point when overeating would affect my concentration. It had nothing to do with addictive tendencies, as some habits could have a life of its own. I tried to eat in small portions, which worked for a while. (Stress would make me consume a slice in seconds.) I also don't recall when was the first time that I bought extras, which my dorm mates wouldn't like at all. (They rather drink beer.) And then I tried to impose an eating deadline, where I should not nibble anything edible after ten in the evening. It turned out that rules were made to be broken. My roommates thought I had no willpower.
I figured out that long walks (and occasional runs) would do it, which gave me less time for etymology. I missed that part.
