[Magdalen] the word "smart"

[Roger Stokes]

Words do indeed keep changing or adding meanings, and they have done so 
for centuries. The Preface to the 1662 BCP makes reference to this as 
one of the factors the editors had used in their revision of earlier 
editions. As for "smart" there is the description "smart casual" 
sometimes used in a dress code to mean that what you wear should be 
clean and not scruffy. It should also fit and be worn properly - I doubt 
low-hanging jeans would be regarded as acceptable. I must admit that my 
own standards have slipped a little now that I have so many video 
conferences. In the past I have always worn a tie for meetings I have at 
Borough Hall but now I attend virtually from home I wear an open-necked 
shirt. The smartness reminds me of the importance of our deliberations 
which affect which school a child can go to.

Roger

On 14/07/2020 11:30, ME Michaud wrote:
> We were talking about words yesterday and I remembered:
> my grandmother used the word "smart" to describe someone fashionably
> dressed,
> and a "smart car" was new, shiny, bordering on vulgar.
>
> My mother used "smart" in that sense, too, and also to mean "intelligent,"
>
> To me, a smart person is intelligent and a bit canny,
> and a smart car fits in a tiny parking space.
>
> Words just go on changing.
> No wonder we cling to our BCP.
> -M