I'd never heard of this word before this century, but now it seems ubiquitous. Why?

It's been a fairly common usage during the last century in this country; perhaps it has taken a while to reach your shores?

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary

quote:

the colloquial sense of "subject to careful examination" (as of an animal by a veterinarian, especially of a horse before a race) is first attested 1904, in Kipling.

Since it's usually elephants and jackasses being discussed in US politics, I guess the veterinary term is apporpriate.

Wow...there are more than 2,000,000 cites for it in Google.

What does this definition mean?

I have seen it used when riding in a Corvette. "I've been 'vetting' today"...though I couldn't find that definition anywhere.

quote:

Originally posted by Asa Lovejoy:
I'd never heard of this word before this century, but now it seems ubiquitous. Why?

I'm not familiar with the word. I looked it up after your post to see what it meant. I found through the archives that Shufitz had used vetted in one of his posts (Jun 08, 2003), so at least he knew the word!

I found a book in the clearance section of one of my favorite used book stores. The title The Language Police, by Diane Ravitch, looked vaguely familiar. It was one that Kalleh had recommended two years ago (Nov. 6, 2003)! It's sad to think that such a fine book, which sold for $24 when new in 2003, would be on the clearance shelf for $3 (but lucky for me!).

I opened the book and began reading the inside of the dust cover. I encountered the word vetted in the first sentence: "Before Anton Checkhov and Mark Twain can be used in school readers and exams, they must be vetted by a bias and sensitivity committee."

Tinman

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tinman,

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I found a book in the clearance section of one of my favorite used book stores.

Tinman, when Sunflower and I FINALLY get up your way, I hope you'll take us there! We'll go to Powell's when you're down here!

I am literally going to drag the 2 of you together! As close as you 2 are, and as similar as you seem, I am surprised that you haven't met. It is time!

It's a deal, but Half-Price Books can't hold a candle to Powell's. (Hmm... can't hold a candle to... Now where did that expression come from?)

Tinman

But those smaller stores often have some real gems!

Small bookstores, especially those delightful ones with great character and delicious nooks and crannies, are well worth vetting for the shear pleasure of being in them.

Did I use the new word correctly, Teachers?

quote:

Originally posted by Caterwauller: Did I use the new word correctly, Teachers?

"'Shear' vs. 'sheer'?" he asked, sheepishly.

quote:

Originally posted by shufitz:

quote:

Originally posted by Caterwauller: Did I use the new word correctly, Teachers?

"'Shear' vs. 'sheer'?" he asked, sheepishly.

At least she didn't do a Spoonerism and say, "crans and nookies."