When did "text" become a verb?
As I sit here on my last day of the class that I taught this semester, I reflect on everything but this class. I will reflect on the class later.
The thing that struck me several weeks ago was how the word text has gone from a noun to a verb. I am not exactly sure when, but I would guess it to have happened mid-2000. The current definition of text (according to Merriam-Webster) is
So, why has this form of communication become so rampant? Well, I think it is both good and bad; and I admit I have done it from time to time. One of the big draws I can think of is the fact that with cell phones, the reception is not always the best, but if you can get a text message off, it will say exactly what you want it to say. However, a down-side is that it will not say it how you want to say it. Meaning tone of voice can be hard to pick up for a text message. Also, you can get basic information through text that you might not want to make a call about. For example, you can text someone "When are you going to be here?" and they can reply "in 15 minutes" or "8:30." We now know what might be good text messages, but we should also know where. The library would be a good place if you need to communicate with someone, but don't want to make any noise. Text messages allow someone to be contacted in situation that might otherwise not be able to: movie theaters, work, class, etc.
I have put together a couple do's and don'ts for you; if you have more, add them to the comments.
DO...
DON'T...
The thing that struck me several weeks ago was how the word text has gone from a noun to a verb. I am not exactly sure when, but I would guess it to have happened mid-2000. The current definition of text (according to Merriam-Webster) is
noun 1 a (1) : the original words and form of a written or printed work (2) : an edited or emended copy of an original work b : a work containing such textWhile it is still not a verb in the sources I checked, I believe it soon will be. Here is my unofficial suggestion for the dictionary:
verb 1 : to transmit words in the form of a message via an electronic device such as a cell phoneText messages are becoming ever popular with just about everyone. The younger generations have picked it up as a viable source of communication while the older generations still hold onto letters, cards, and phone calls. Here's what I am talking about: I attend many forms of church throughout the week. Wednesdays I watch over the high school group, Fridays I see some old friends at the college group, Saturdays I listen to the sermon with the 20-30 somethings, and Sunday mornings I pay attention with the main church group. As I roam around the high school group keeping an eye out for PDA, weapons, and drugs, I also see about 1 in 10 students using their cell phone to text another person (in the same room). And some will do this the whole hour. When I am sitting with friends Friday night, from time to time some one will get a text message and send a quick response, but it is not used for a conversation. Saturday nights there are a couple people throughout the night that will text someone, and Sunday mornings, I have yet to see someone over 35 text anyone.
i.e. I can't talk on my cell phone now, just text me with the information
So, why has this form of communication become so rampant? Well, I think it is both good and bad; and I admit I have done it from time to time. One of the big draws I can think of is the fact that with cell phones, the reception is not always the best, but if you can get a text message off, it will say exactly what you want it to say. However, a down-side is that it will not say it how you want to say it. Meaning tone of voice can be hard to pick up for a text message. Also, you can get basic information through text that you might not want to make a call about. For example, you can text someone "When are you going to be here?" and they can reply "in 15 minutes" or "8:30." We now know what might be good text messages, but we should also know where. The library would be a good place if you need to communicate with someone, but don't want to make any noise. Text messages allow someone to be contacted in situation that might otherwise not be able to: movie theaters, work, class, etc.
I have put together a couple do's and don'ts for you; if you have more, add them to the comments.
DO...
- Keep them simple and short. However, combine messages because some people have limited amounts they can send/receive. For example, you can combine"Hi, how are u?" with ";) " to keep the number of text messages to a minimum.
- Take your time to get the spelling right. There is no sense in sending a text message that is confusing.
DON'T...
- Try to have a serious conversation over text message. Reading the tone of voice is difficult and can get you in trouble. Also avoid some what sarcastic comments as they will come off wrong.
- use too many letters as words and abbreviations. It really doesn't take that much longer to write out the word later as it does to write it l8r.
