We all know about a "blurb" in a book. However, I just read in the Chicago Tribune about a Chicago use of the word "blurb." Supposedly it was coined by Blair Kamin to mean, "where 'brawny' Victorian brownstones run smack into the plastic chic of the Golden Arches, where the skyscraper canyons of the Loop give way to the wideopen spaces of the commercial strip."

Is this only a Chicago use? We need a word to describe this concept, at least in Chicago. The River North area is beautiful, with old brownstones and buildings with great historical significance; yet it is also where gaudy theme restaurants have splashy signs and items such as a giant guitar, a frog, and a baseball. April 15 a new concrete, glass and steel retro McDonald's, with gargantuan arches, will be finished in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. I can't wait!

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

Here is a case where I think the word should not have been given new meaning. Blurb already means something for me (a short description of some kind or other) and to now give it some sort of geographic meaning confuses the issue for me.

I tend to agree with you, CW. It has such a specific meaning. I wonder how Kamin came to choose that word for the concept, though I do think the concept should have a word.