This cat is being "vetted," but I don't think that's the meaning I'm looking for.
***
Sometimes I hear a word or phrase and wonder what it means or what it's provenance is. In such cases I usually do a little research to educate myself into the meaning and/or origin of the word or phrase.
But sometimes, I just wonder and then forget it until I hear it again. Then I wonder some more. I can't think of any example of this right now except for the phrase "to vet" or "to be vetted." Now I've always known that this means to check somebody or something out, to find out all about the person, etc., you need to know about. I first became aware of the phrase in relation to political matters--like when Sen. McCain's staff did a questionable job of vetting Ms. Palin.
But I still didn't know where the word came from. I knew about vets as in war vets or veterinarians, but that was about it for my knowledge of words beginning with vet--and I couldn't see how either one of those had anything to do with snooping into a person's past to see what skeletons might be lurking in his closet.
But finally, when this term was used on a tv show I was watching, I happened to have the Mac Book in my lap and quickly looked it up before I forgot again.
How many of you are surprised to know that the term come from HORSE RACING? It seems quite logical to me: horse racing, politics--pretty much related in my mind. Except horses are pretty, while not many politicians are really easy on the eyes.
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the origin of the word vetting: To vet was originally a horse racing term, referring to the requirement that a horse be checked for health and soundness by a veterinarian before being allowed to race. Thus, it has taken the general meaning "to check." It is a figurative contraction of veterinarian which originated in the mid-17th century. The colloquial abbreviation dates to the 1860s; the verb form of the word, meaning "to treat an animal," came a few decades later—according to the Oxford English Dictionary the earliest known usage is 1891—and was applied primarily in a horse-racing context. ("He vetted the stallion before the race," "You should vet that horse before he races," etc.) By the early 1900s, vet had begun to be used as a synonym for evaluate, especially in the context of searching for flaws.
Now I know all of you are just beside yourself with glee to learn this interesting fact about what has become an overused political term. But let's move on.***
If you answered the Dark and Stormy Night question and have not yet sent me your mailing address, please send it to me at suscleve@aol.com so I can get your prize in the mail. To those of you whose address I have, your prize will be going into the mail in a day or two. Except for Ramey and Jo; I'll give you yours when I see you. The muscle spasms seem to be calming down a little. Not altogether gone, but the pain isn't as severe as it was and I have periods of time now when it doesn't hurt at all. So I'm hoping Dr. M was right and I will be just fine by July 4. (That man is such a kidder.)
Every time I show the quilt that was in yesterday's photo I get comments and questions about it. So here's the 411 on this beautiful quilt.
Several years ago, I don't even remember exactly when, Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts had a blog giveaway. The quilt was the prize, and I won. I had discovered Nicole's blog only a few months before, and I so admired her quiltmaking talents and was thrilled beyond words to have won this lovely one.
I believe the pattern name might be Road to California, but of this I am not sure. You would have to ask Nicole.
But while we'e on the subject, thanks again for that long-ago giveaway. This has been one of my favorite quilts since it came to live at The Yellow House.This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 01/20/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
How wonderful to have won such a glorious, richly colored quilt! Well done, Nicole!
Glad to hear you're feeling better!
You've hit upon one of my soapbox and pet peeve issues: taking a word with a known definition(s) and co-opting it for another use. Be creative and think up a new word for your new definition, for heaven's sake!! Thanks for the opportunity to say that to more folks than just my family!! :D
I'm about to put borders on a borderless UFO. Yes, I am. Yes, I am. Yes, I really, really am!!
Hugs!
On 01/20/2010, CarlaH said ...
You must feel so relieved to have some pain free moments let's hope that they become much more frequent and then permanent real soon.
Lucky you to have won that quilt - Nicole does such good work and has an excellent eye for colour.
On 01/20/2010, Lynda Green said ...
Just 14 years ago, I learned first hand about vetting when I purchased a show pony for daughter - followed by a horse trailer, 5 years of competition, and six more horses to be vetted. Another one of those terms that I really never thought I would need to know. Much prefer admiring your lovely quilt.
On 01/20/2010, Carolyn Ingram said ...
What was in Sarah Palin's background that you thought was not properly "vetted." She wasn't a communist, not an America hater, a felon, so what would classify her as not properly vetted. A good question and one I have researched extensively and cannot find one thing in her background that would prevent her from holding any office in American Government. Politics and opinions can be iffy at best.
Carolyn Ingram
On 01/20/2010, Pat said ...
This is a beautiful, cozy looking quilt. How is your monster quilt coming along? I am trying to declutter and organize. I seem to be running more errands than housework, but all in its good time...
On 01/21/2010, Thelma said ...
Thanks for the chuckle, your pictures and post were a nice change of pace, you're a very clever lady!
Hope you're feeling better.
On 01/21/2010, Carol said ...
Every time I hear that word it makes me chuckle...thanks for the info on where it came from...interesting that it is used so much in politics....glad you're feeling better. That quilt from Nicole is just gorgeous. What a treasure.
On 01/21/2010, Kai said ...
Yes, indeed! We ARE sisters, Susan! I am so like you in researching the history of words & terms. It drives me insane to hear something and not KNOW its meaning or origin. I am just as passionate about people who misuse or totally mispronounce words. I don't INTEND to be, it's just part of the nature of editing, I guess. Words are important to me. Example of two pet peeves: People who say jew-lA-ry. EEEEEKS! I always want to ask, "Do you wear JEW-ELS or JEW-LAS?" Arrrrggghhh! I know. I sound like a snob. But we all have pet peeves! Another is people who write definAtely. I tell them to think DEFINITIVE. Do they SEE an A? Sigh. On a different topic, the quilt: it's just lovely! I thought YOU had made it! How awesome to win something so pretty! Glad your oh-so-amusing doc gave you a timeline for the end of your pain. LOL! Seriously, I HOPE you feel progressively better every MINUTE! Love you!
On 01/21/2010, Nicole said ...
I am so glad you are using the quilt and like it! I know it went to a good home!
On 01/22/2010, jeanne said ...
Good morning Susan. I always love to know about words. Thank you for your research. Now if we can work on that much used political word 'progressive' I am tired of hearing it. LOL.
I am so glad you are feeling a bit better. I know it is a battle.
The quilt is truly gorgeous. AND, you won it. Congrats on your 1000 post giveaway. I know the winner is happy. Lovely gifts.
Hugs, Jeanne
On 01/22/2010, Dandelion Quilts said ...
Well, it is a lovely quilt. Nicole sure is talented, isn't she?
-----
No comments:
Post a Comment