Origins is an occasionally recurring post in which I delve into the history of a word or phrase.For no particular reason, today's word is:
Graphic
(I closed my eyes, opened the dictionary and stabbed my finger at the page.)
Graphic means to describe accurately, vividly and dates from the 1570s. It comes from the Latin graphicus meaning "picturesque" and the Greek graphikos meaning "of or for writing, belonging to drawing, picturesque." The suffix -graphy means "the process of writing or recording."
I shouldn't have been, but I was shocked at the number of words ending with -graphy. You can check out one list HERE. I could only think of a few, photography, geography, biography, bibliography, calligraphy...
Some synonyms for graphic include: concrete, stirring, striking, colorful, telling, compelling, comprehensive, eloquent, lucid, lively, realistic
All of us who write are, in my opinion, graphic artists. We try our best to write compelling, striking, stirring, colorful, realistic and/or lively stories.
It seems to me that nowadays graphic tends to mean something that is violent, bloody or sexual. "Due to graphic nature of this program, viewer discretion is advised." Sad, when the word has some many wonderful synonyms.
No need for "viewer discretion" here. Below are three examples of abstract graphic drawings I did with a graphite pencil. I don't draw much anymore, but when I did I enjoyed playing with shapes and shades of white to black.
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Being Thankful
Today I'm thankful for the Gladiolas blooming in our yard.
Love your flowers. It's just getting warm enough to plant flowers here, so I have tulips and irises but nothing else yet. Hoping to get out and plant this week. It's one of the things that I love doing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like our yard is in peak bloom, which means we won't have much come summer. Particularly if we don't get some rain soon.
DeleteGraphic as in violence does come to mind although I think of it more in terms of illustrations and creating.
ReplyDeleteYup. I think of things like graphic design, graphic arts.
DeleteHi Bish - it is fascinating how word usage has changed through the eras ... typography ... but I'm sure there's lots of others ... I think I prefer the Greek meaning ... Sadly I cannot draw or devise ... so admire all who can ... I am thankful for all the beautiful Spring flowers brightening up our world ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteOh, typography's good one! I'm with you, I like the Greek meaning too.
DeleteHello Bish, uYou provide wonderfully graphic descriptions for readers to enjoy, so this is a perfect word for you. Your finger obviously knew exactly what it was doing. :)
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful for the spring, although it’s raining and cold today! Never mind, summer must be just around the corner.
Thanks, Barbara! We could sure use some rain here.
DeleteI agree that the word's varied uses have been stifled by the tendency to use it as "violent, bloody, or sexual." Kind of like how the words "adult" too often refers to pornography. (Hey! "Pornography!" There's another word ending with "-graphy!")
ReplyDeleteObviously, I meant the word "adult."
DeleteAh... pornography... :D
DeleteI love how you chose your word today. Very scientific! :-) And effective. You did some great graphics, Bish. You have many talents. And those glads? Perfect.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased when my figure chose it, Lee. I really didn't know as much about it's origins as I do now. Turned out to be a good word for writers. :)
DeleteI think I see a moose in that last one.
ReplyDeleteWe have a few flowers blooming, raspberries red and ready, and tomatoes on their way.
Great post! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great drawings. You have a hidden talent! I hadn't thought of myself as a graphic artist but I like your description.
ReplyDeleteWhat about hagiography? I like to think of it as a list of witches, but I know that's not right. :)
Lovely abstracts! When I hear graphic, the first thing I think is "digital picture." *shrugs* Guess I'm too in tune with the digital world, eh?
ReplyDeleteI love spring for the colors! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could draw, my mother's the artist, and my son seems to have her talent, me, I'm all thumbs. :) Loved your art and graphic is a good word although some say I was a little too graphic in the Snowman.
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