Have you ever noticed the word nonplussed has two opposite meanings? The original definitions of nonplussed is perplexed or disconcerted. Recently, and primarily in the U.S., nonplussed has come to mean unfazed or not surprised – the exact opposite of the original definition. The opposite definitions are certainly confusing but surprisingly it’s not that rare…
Despite the popularity of the saying, Sherlock Holmes never actually said “elementary, my dear Watson.” Regardless, we recognize the phrase refers to something which is easily understood – perhaps obvious – even if it seems confusing to others. Referring to the books, Watson is surprised and impressed when Holmes is able to figure out things from…
In the early 2010s, it became increasingly common to suggest that robots were stealing our jobs. Dozens of headlines breathlessly warned (e.g. MIT, BBC, The Conversation, Fast Company) nearly 50% of 700 common occupations would be completely automated – filled by machines, rather than mankind. Only it didn’t really happen. Turns out it wasn’t even…