Etymology is the study of the origin of words. If you love language the way I do, you probably love looking into its history. Delving into the deeper meaning of the things that come out of our mouths is as revealing as it is rewarding.
Take the word competition.
To most people it is synonymous with rivalry or a fight to outdo another; a race that can only have one winner and lots of losers. It’s Darwin’s theory in a nutshell.
It wasn’t always understood like that.
The word competition comes from the latin verb…
I have to confess, I’ve said things to clients like “I usually charge” or “I normally charge”. You’ve given me something to think about. Thanks!
I usually respond to every comment and today is no exception. Thanks for reading my story, Fred. If only one reader gets something useful out of it, my time is well spent! Happy Holidays!
…nothing to worry about there, Paul. I read it too, and am also guilty of just recently using the “my normal rate for” phrase. I wonder if part of that comes from seeing so much work go elsewhere that the mind eventually starts saying, “maybe you AREN’T worth it.”
I need to remember more often the two friend/clients who actually asked me what my rate was and then said, “That’s not enough. Bill me for (x) more from here on.”
rg
Paul: Good stuff as always.
Rowell: Congratulations on that pair of “that’s not enough” moments. Having one is a magic memory — but two is a regular Festivus miracle! You have chosen your friends/clients very well.
Hi Billy, I always value your insights and comments. Please keep them coning in the new year!
Those are the clients to keep, Rowell. How can I best reach them? 🙂
“Fame? Fun? Fortune? Fulfillment?”
and one more… Freedom.
Fantastic, Fabulous, and Formidable, Melissa!