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"Cool" is like "OK", or "nice". They're moderate words with a moderate tone. Words like "awesome" are somewhat hyperbolic. They have a short existence because
by alextgordon 11y ago
"Cool" is like "OK", or "nice". They're moderate words with a moderate tone.
Words like "awesome" are somewhat hyperbolic. They have a short existence because they become predictable and passé.
"Cool" never lost its impact because it never had one in the first place. It's just cool.
Compare: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12503686 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12503686
- urs2102 11y agoDo you think it's possible that words with similar sentiments are more likely to have a longer existance? Take the word "dope" right now, which is often used as a synonym for "cool". What's the likelihood of a word like that breaking into the mainstream and lasting?
- tlrobinson 11y agoRight now? Pretty sure "dope" has been slang for "awesome" (not necessarily the same as "cool") since at least the 90's.
- coldtea 11y agoDictionary puts it's at "80s onwards", but it should also be present in the 70s.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- beachstartup 11y agoi think dope is going to be around for a while. i know people of all races and ages up to about 45 using it non-ironically without sounding silly.
- racl101 11y agoI no longer put any stock in the word 'awesome' . It has been used way too much for things that are not awesome. I especially will not buy the recommendations of anyone who uses any of its derivatives either like "awesomesauce".
- coldtea 11y agoOnly according to the article's findings (and explanations) that's not the case. Besides there are lots of counter-examples of similar moderate words that were popular and faded out (swell, neat, jiffy, groovy, hip, dandy, gnarly, hairy, a-ok etc).
- TrevorJ 11y agoIt seems to have quite a bit of utility as well, it's meaning is widely understood and I can't think of another word that carries quite the same connotation or intent. It actually fills a niche.