You probably know what a synonym, an antonym, and a homonym are, but do you know what a retronym is? It is such a new word that my computer is underlining it for spell check! A retronym is a new word invented to replace an old word that now needs definition because of new technology. Like this: acoustic guitar is now the name of what we used to call guitar; land line is the new name for a telephone, and snail-mail is the new name for mail. And how about all those bridges in Bangor: when I was a kid there was the New Bridge and the Old Bridge. Then another was built and that became the New New Bridge, and the others were renamed (at least I call them this) the Old New Bridge and the Old Old Bridge. I hope another isn’t forthcoming!
As technology changes, so does our vocabulary. We have had to coin new phrases for our sewing machines. A conversation with a customer today might go something like this:
“I’d like to buy a sewing machine?
“Great! You’ve come to the right place. Are you interested in a mechanical machine, a computer machine , or an embroidery machine?”
“How about a sewing machine?”
And then we begin. Any wonder folks might get confused? We start in describing the wonderful features of each, especially the computerized machines, and then are asked, “But does it sew a straight seam?”
They might be swayed into buying a machine with all the marvelous features. After all, they just upgraded their computer to Windows 7 so that they can e-mail. They can now go home and sew a straight line (if they touch no buttons). Some might even question, “These features are great, but how do I use them?”
And that is where our job comes in! Come to the free new owners classes to learn not just what those features are, but also how to use them in a practical setting. Some have told me that they don’t need classes, been sewing for years, even made a wedding dress. Does all that experience help one figure out mirror image, pattern start, and balance functions? I’m guessing not, so don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know everything about that new machine. And, FYI, you can bring any brand machine to our classes (just be sure you have your manual – I pretty much know all the features and uses but may not be able to locate them on another brand.) And, wouldn’t it be great if Windows 7 came with a year of free classes? … Now that is my idea!
