Seconds after the ball descended from the sky in NYC, my mind began to wander to the world of language. As my surrounding company began to whisper 2010 resolutions, I started to consider which word I should choose to define my new year. After some quick yet careful thinking, I selected “fresh” from the imaginary word bubble that was lingering near my mind and bouncing syllables around like plinko (Price Is Right reference, anyone?).
“Fresh” at first seems like an obvious choice as we tend to approach the new year hoping for a fresh start or a fresh perspective, but this word means much more to my definition of 2010. I intend to push myself personally and professionally to seek out fresh, creative experiences that excite my senses. There is something so vibrant, energetic and hopeful about this very word. I am not sure I could live without it this year. As I tattoo it in my mind, it will be a constant reminder to look at my world through an adjusted set of eyes.
But before I begin to write my manifesto for the new year, let’s take a closer look at what “fresh” truly means. According to Merriam-Webster, “fresh” is defined as:
1 a : having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1) : full of or renewed in vigor : refreshed <rose fresh from a good night’s sleep> (2) : not stale, sour, or decayed <fresh bread> (3) : not faded <the lessons remain fresh in her memory> (4) : not worn or rumpled <a fresh white shirt> b : not altered by processing <fresh vegetables>
2 a : not salt b (1) : free from taint : pure <fresh air> (2) of wind : moderately strong
3 a (1) : experienced, made, or received newly or anew <form fresh friendships> (2) : additional, another <a fresh start> b : original, vivid <a fresh portrayal> c : lacking experience : raw d : newly or just come or arrived <fresh from school> e : having the milk flow recently established <a fresh cow>
4 [probably by folk etymology from German frech] : disposed to take liberties : impudent <don’t get fresh with me>
5 slang : fashionable, cool
Just say “fresh” out loud and make to sure to let the “sh” linger and extend. I feel as though I am breathing out new life into my 2010 as the prolonged “sh” is spoken. Yes, I love the word that much.
What word will define your 2010?
Tagged: definition, fresh, language, merriam webster, new year, word