In Progress

I do enjoy a good pop culture piece — especially when it’s written as well as this one. I started off thinking I was going to hate it and ended up actually getting a sense of delving deeper into the expression, one of Jon Stewart’s faves. Although I do NOT like the way he says it, which is apparently the “correct” way to use it: “Awk-ward: Sing the second syllable a minor third lower than the first.”

Most fascinating part of the article:

Liz Salemme, 24, who wrote Time’s most awkward list, sees the word as a neat solution to an extreme influx of awkwardness: “It’s kind of hard to come up with reactions to all the strange situations we see now” on YouTube and reality television shows, says Salemme. “Sometimes all you can do is say, ‘Okay, awkward,’ and then move on.”

It’s code for “I’m not even going to go there,” because “there” is a sticky, messy place. Disclosing our real feelings about “there” might be offensive or expose vulnerability, and result in long and stammering discussions. Awkwardness can be a substitute for real emotion, especially when you’re pressed for time.

And now my new favorite word is “mockward.” Good job, Monica Hesse.

Posted on May 15th, 2008 by DeepthiW
Filed under: Media, Movies, Politics, Uncategorized