Dictionaries, people!
Posted at 2:55 PM on February 15, 2012
by Bob Collins
(20 Comments)
Filed under: Surveys and trivia
The Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport has installed a baby grand piano in the baggage area with this invitation to play it. This afternoon, it was silent. Perhaps this sign offers a clue as to why.
Comments (20)
?
I don't get it.
Funny, I thought literally everybody was anxious to be notorious.
Notoriety.
I now understand a bit better why 3 out of 4 blog commentators don't use their real names. :-)
Tomorrow, we'll consider grocery store express-lane signs for people with less than 15 items.
Bob-- do you mean less than or fewer than? I'm confused. ;-)
Notoriety-
1: Unfavorable, usually unsavory renown: infamousness, infamy, notoriousness. See knowledge/ignorance.
2: Wide recognition for one's deeds: celebrity, fame, famousness, popularity, renown, reputation, repute.
Actually this is a valid use of notoriety, widely known or celebrated.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/notoriety
I don't recognize Internet dictionary sites. They're notoriously inaccurate.
We are guided by Mr. Webster and only Mr. Webster.
"The quality or state of being notorious."
Now now, Bob.
One of the wonderful things about the internet is that it permits people to find whatever facts they desire.
If they're looking for notorious pianists, I would TOTALLY fit the bill. I've had two whole months of lessons. Where do I sign up?
We are guided by Mr. Webster and only Mr. Webster.
1. Not respectable
2. widely known
http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious?show=0&t=1329347026
This creeping anti-Websterism blasphemy will not stand.
And by "not reliable," we assume you're using the new meaning -- "reliable."
Allie - Hear the one about the guy trying to learn to play the bass who quit after only one lesson?
He got a paying gig. ( insert rimshot)
fun fact - "Websters" has been in the public domain for over one hundred and fifty years and can be used by anyone wishing to publish a dictionary.
John P II - Fun?!? Please don't tell ConeTech.
Verily, the apocalypse is nigh.
I should have read the comments. I've been staring at the sign thinking "nothing is spelled wrong! What's wrong with the spelling". I was only focusing on spelling.
btw ... I assumed they meant notorious, as in fame for being unworthy of respect. As a joke.
I would say the most common understanding of "notoriety" is the negative kind. It's certainly what I think of first.
I don't know that I would assign the word 'notoriety' to piano players. I find the term to be more fitting for those who play the violin.
"Cry me a river" comes to mind. : )
Speaking of dictionaries and along the lines of people who you should meet, Lawrence Moe,, Ph.D English gives an interesting and entertaining discourse on etymology.
He is local and within walking distance from you Bob and nominal Bob.
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