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Collective Intelligence

The Definition of Fringe

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There are some words in the English language that we toss about as if we really know what they mean. When someone uses the word “fringe” it has to be examined in context to determine what meaning is associated with the word. In a phrase without obvious context, it is left up to the listener to determine if the connotation is positive or negative. “Bob was always on the fringe.” Taken on face value, Bob… Read More »The Definition of Fringe

The Art of Tootology

Some phrases are difficult to define and are usually not translatable into another language. According to some accounts, John F. Kennedy made a major German language faux pas in his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech in Berlin, Germany. The more grammatically correct text would have been “Ich bin Berliner.” So instead of saying “I am a citizen of Berlin” as he intended, his thick Boston accent and the insertion of a single word could have… Read More »The Art of Tootology