Monday, October 13, 2008

Can I Have a Definition?


Happy Birthday to Noah Webster, creator of--you guessed it--the Webster's Dictionary! As the first "American dictionary," Webster helped define the language and character of a nation. Instead of using English or French variations, he simplified words like "center" and "color" (vs. "centre" and "colour"). I hate when people say, "Talk American," like it's the stupid person's English, but I think it's amazing that one person can have such a profound effect on language.

"'Children grew up to be Americans as opposed to British subjects,' said Harlow Giles Unger, who wrote a book on Webster in 1998. 'I would call him the father of American education.'"

I'm totally geeking out, but I think that's really intense. Now if only people would stop using "u" for "you."

Look up your favorite word today!

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