As you say, it is all about the connections and the shifts that happen, rather than the word itself.

On the sci fi theme – are you familiar with grok?

There’s a story and a half wrapped up in that four letter word.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grok

And yes – maybe WILF will become something similar. As I said (to someone, somewhere – at your place?) the other day, thinking ‘what did I learn from this’ can become an ingrained – and extremely healthy – habit. The more you do it, the more you reflect, learn the lessons, move on with a spring in your step and a smile. I’m pretty sure your own writing projects are helping to shift the thought patterns of those who take part. How’s that for a Friday night thought?

Joanna

A word such as “trekkies” is a case in point. Prior to 1963, it usually evoked an image of a line of sherpas climbing Mt. Everest. Or something. But nowadays, it’s invariably tied to the Star Trek phenomenon, evoking a wealth of images and (possibly) experiences.

I find it, er, fascinating (if you’ll pardon the expression) that our entire world’s culture can be so affected by a single (and recently invented) concept. Wouldn’t it be cool to be responsible for starting something that became culturally universal?

Thus I was flattered when Mike DeWitt said (near the end of his most recent WILF post) that the term WILF has become a verb!

It’s an interesting point about the difference in UK/US linguistic style – I don’t know, I think it’s probably the familiarity thing. I know I’ve been enjoying tuning into US writing voices since joining the blogosphere (think it might even have been rubbing off on my own writing accent!).

@ Rubab – thank you, the feedback is appreciated.

Joanna