Barnorama All Fun In The Barn
Google Ngram is an interesting tool that allows you to search over 5 million books for certain words and get a timeline of how often it was used all the way back to the 1500’s. Here are some surprising results.
Certain eras seem to appreciate a good laugh more than others. We seem to be in a slump almost as bad as the Civil War these days. Certainly we can do better than that.
“Comedy”
Certain eras seem to appreciate a good laugh more than others. We seem to be in a slump almost as bad as the Civil War these days. Certainly we can do better than that.
“Hipster”
The 1950’s was a more popular time for the word than it is now. Seems like something a hipster would be happy about, right?
“Crime”
Everyone loves a good murder mystery, this one’s not going anywhere.
“Hawaii”
Hawaii’s long history is pretty synonymous with the chart, from a newly discovered paradise, an agricultural haven, a strategic military base, all the way to Hollywood’s favorite place to film. People are writing less and less about it, is it possible that Hawaii has finally become a little cliché? Impossible.
“Cocaine”
People as early as the early 1900s were recognizing the effects of the drug.
“Marriage”
It’s not surprising that more people were writing about Holy Matrimony in the olden days, seeing as no one seems to want to stay together anymore.
“Divorce”
….My point exactly.
“Disco”
If you’re curious as to why people were writing about boogying to the BeeGees under a shiny ball in the 1600’s, it’s because it’s actually the Latin word for “I learn.”
“Cowboys”
From the rugged horse-back riders to “America’s Team,” this term has stood the test of time.
“Web”
It was kind of just there until it got the special new meaning in the 1990s when it became a name for the internet…but it’s dropping now that the word is so last century.
“Gay”
The word was popular back when it meant “care-free,” but then dropped off until gay rights became a highly-acknowledged social movement.
“Porn”
Um… does this surprise anyone?
