Ol’
Gray Mare She Ain’t What She Used to Be!
I’m not
fond of the new Merriam-Webster’s format of presenting words in its print edition—too
complicated for quick perusal. Add to that its attempt to shorten definitions
(presumably to save space) by referring the user elsewhere in the massive tome
is simply frustrating.
Their
new method does injustice to many words; and omitting some former descriptive
text has muddled the meanings. And then … I stumbled on a word that made it
personal …
GOLDEN-AGER (‘gōl-dɘn-‘ā-jɘr;
1961) n. – an elderly and often retired person usu. engaging in club
activities. [WW #285]
Oh my, and this from a bona fide dictionary with a
2020 copyright. Golden-ager, as defined, is so many words of wrong. Obviously its meaning was 1)
established in the 1960s which makes it vintage at the very least, and 2) a
misnomer at best, and misconstrued
meaning at worst?
Having reached that illustrious age of “retired
person” (sort of), I have yet to talk with anyone who considers
themselves a golden-ager in the dictionary context (or frankly, any other).
In the same dictionary, *golden age is
defined as “a period of great happiness, prosperity, and achievement” without
mention of age. Yet, golden-ager could come from nothing else.
Oh, we may belong to clubs and enjoy not adhering to
a work schedule, but the new golden-ager’s dictionary definition is short-sighted and largely erroneous.
Somehow, the term golden age* (1555), along
with golden years (1964)*, became synonymous to the age and lifestyle of
the
elderly. Other than spotting golden-ager in the dictionary in a hunt for interesting words, I have never heard
the term. Whether retired or not, apparently, we elders are supposed to be
carefree and without purpose, other than to enjoy our *golden years and
join clubs.
*Golden years’ definition states, “the
advanced years in a lifetime <[i.e.,] active well into their “golden
years>.” That doesn’t even make sense. Setting golden years as an
example doesn’t define the term, merely demonstrates its use.
Golden-ager’s 2020 definition differs from the Fifth Edition (2014), which in my
humble opinion is more accurate: “[Informal] an elderly person, specif. one who
is 65 or older and retired.”
*More 2020 vs. 2014 comparisons of our muddled
modern dictionary terms: “Golden Age – 1) Class. Myth. the
early age in which mankind was ideally happy, prosperous, and innocent; 2) a
period of great progress,
In our modern world, few retired people, especially those with moderate to low retirement funds, consider golden-ager an apt description of their elder years. In fact, it’s demeaning and dismissive. (Definition written by someone wearing an “OK, Boomer” t-shirt?)
Word Challenge: GOLDEN-AGER. Are you there yet? If you are 55+, consider
how you might improve the definition. If you’re not, give some thought to a
word you think is more apropos, as you fit golden-ager
into your week of contemplative writings and clever conversations.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your
inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*LR Notes: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to
definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps
indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning
are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in
legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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