Internet terminology is everywhere. It was bad enough when my mother (who is not on a first name name basis with any electron anywhere) called someone ‘clueless.’ It seems she learned it from ‘Dilbert.’
Next National Public Radio started carrying Internet stories. And explaining the terms.
Then ‘smilies’ books started showing up in even the dumbest bookstores.
But it’s all over now. The April 1996 catalog from Book of the Month Club is offering ‘The F Word,’ edited by Jesse Sheidlower. The writeup says, in full:
‘`In this entertaining, explicit reference, a lexicographer list every variation of his notorious subject, from Bumblef--- to RTFM (‘Read The F---ing Manual’).’’
What next? Will the BOFH be on the air right after ‘Car Talk?’ Will little old ladies be saying ‘knit one, perl(2)?’ When we shoot the shit over a beer, will even the lowliest waitpern know what we’re talking about?
ISFD¹.
-- Steve