Category Archives: Meanings

Training vs. Education

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Doug Bennett

An organization on whose Board I serve has passed along to me an invitation from another organization to a ‘training.’ That’s a term that doesn’t sit right with me in most cases. I sent along the following: I want to … Continue reading →

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Systems and Structures in Today’s Discussions of Racism and Sexism

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Doug Bennett

“[T]hat suggests a larger, structural barrier to women’s career advancement.  ‘It’s systemic,’ Goldin told me.”  That passage is from Nicholas Kristof’s opinion piece in yesterday’s New York Times, entitled (in the print version at least) Vets, Pharmacists and Happy Working … Continue reading →

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Meanings: Cynicism

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Doug Bennett

“Everybody is cynical and few people are changing their minds. That’s the takeaway from the House’s impeachment hearings.”  That’s the opening sentence in a piece by Maggie Koerth on Five Thirty-Eight this morning. But what is a “cynic,” and what does … Continue reading →

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Meanings “Cob”

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Doug Bennett

There is perhaps no monosyllable in any language that has so many distinct meanings as cob. It may be thought curious to enumerate them. As a VERB, it signifies, 1, to strike; 2, to pull the ear or hair; 3, … Continue reading →

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Meanings: Glamour

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Doug Bennett

February 16, 2019 The word “glamour” passed before me this morning, someone mentioned the word, and I found myself wondering about its origin.  I could scarcely think of another English language word with the same spelling pattern.  Here’s the etymology: … Continue reading →

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