Words. They are used by everybody everyday. Some words convey similar meanings, but no two words mean the EXACT same thing. And then we have the plague upon language; slang. I am not condemning slang, and those of you who know me know that I use slang often. I know all of you know what slang is, and if you don't, you need to come out from under that rock.
I'm not gonna rant about slang. No, that would be both pointless and hypocritical. I am going to rant about a select few slang words that my generation has so happily embraced. If you have used one of these around me, you probably have already heard some of this, but even if you haven't, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what words I am about to rant about.
First off is the biggest pain in the English languages side. That's right, you guessed it; "legit." I cannot tell you how sick I am of hearing "This is legit" or "That's so legit." Usually, this is out of context. As a noun, "Legitimate", which is the root of "legit," (just in case you were too stupid to discern that yourself) essentially means "Real, not false. Lawful. Genuine." "Legit" basically means whatever the hell you want it to. Okay, not really, but it seems that way. People will be describing something as "cool" and say that it is "legit." Let's say I pull off a kick-flip on my skateboard (I can dream, can't I?); if five people watch me accomplish the feat, I guarantee at least one will say "That's legit!" Erm, no ... it's not.
Now, you could easily argue with me that using "legit" in the above context is correct. Well, sucks for ya; it's not (See what I did there? I used slang.). Yes, the kickflip was a true, genuine kick-flip, and it may have also been very cool (more slang!), but using a shortened version of the word "legitimate" is incorrect usage of the word. No shit it was a legitimate kick-flip. I don't think it's possible to fake one. But saying that the kick-flip was "legit" makes you sound like a moron. It's sort of like stating the obvious. You don't walk around saying "See that green grass? That's legit," or "See that building? It's legit." Yes, the grass is green, and it is a real building. Very good observation, Sherlock. Maybe if you ever get in a car accident and your arm gets lopped off, you can tell the paramedics "See this blood? It's legit!"
Saying legit not only makes you sound like a fool, but it also makes you seem like a tool, which brings me to the next word in this little rant that maybe five people will read; the word "Tool." It's not as widely used as "legit," but that is probably due to the fact you can't replace a word of exclamation such as "cool" or "awesome" with it, but it is still overused.
What is a tool? Literally, it is anything used to accomplish something. My fingers and this keyboard are both tools used in the typing of this (offensive) collection of words. Now, can you guess what our wonderful culture has done to the definition of this word? Now, people can also be tools. I suppose they could have been considered tools back in ancient times too (Warriors were tools used by their rulers to conquer), but now the word has expanded it's meaning.
Let's have an example. I have a sleeveless t-shirt with the "Vans" logo printed on it. I also wear Vans shoes. Does this make me a tool of Vans? You could easily argue that, yes, I am being a tool. I am being used to advertise Vans. But then I would ask you to go take a look at yourself. What are you wearing? If you wear Aeropostale or American Eagle, or anything with a brand name on it, guess what! You're a tool too! Let's say you shy away from brand names. Let's suppose you prefer wearing flannel shirts, v-neck plain-white tees, and tighter fitting jeans. Now you're being indie. Whoa, looks like you're also being a tool, as defined by the modern culture. You're a tool to society now, seeing as indie is now the big trend (NOTE: I am not picking on anyone/thing indie. I'm just using it as an example, seeing that it is so dominate now.) The same could go for punks, emos, scenesters, even business men/women. I could even argue that you're a tool for driving a car. It's not that hard to do.
Seriously, people. In the modern culture, we are all tools, especially in America. The world is dominated by corporations now. In order to get almost anything now, you need money. GUESS WHAT!? NOW YOU'RE A TOOL OF MONEY! And at the same time, you're a tool of the government and the country whose money you are using. Sucks for ya.
I am neither condemning nor condoning the usage of these two words. I myself use them at times. Although, if I do say "legit" about something that I meant to say is "cool (or whatever crazy synonym I would use), I will slap myself on the inside. As much as I hate calling people "tools," I will succumb to this at times. There are people who are legit tools (See what I did there?), and have absolutely no idea how much they are being used. I own a few items of apparel from the brand Fox Racing. I have two t-shirts, and one pair of jeans. Now, if I also had socks, a hat, and shoes (if they even make those) I would consider myself a tool. If I also owned a pair of Fox boxers, I would start to question my sanity. Maybe not if I wore all these items on different days, but if I wore all Fox all the time, then yes. I would be an obsessed tool. But even then I still have problems with the usage of that word.
There were at least two other topics I mentioned that I could easily rant about, but I will refrain from them for now. I mean, I wouldn't want to look like a tool, now would I? That wouldn't be very legit. :)
PS: The picture is of a legitimate tool. We call it a "wrench." It is generally used to tighten or loosen things.
