Last week driving home on a Friday, it was dark. The car headlights pierced by tired eyes but then I perked up . NPR was finishing out the time before 6 pm with a bit of a linguistic ranting about the word “random.”

Here is the link: http://www.npr.org/2012/11/30/166240531/thats-so-random-the-evolution-of-an-odd-word

It used the OED to trace the etymology, history and usage of the word. What is interesting is that the meaning of the word contracted in the early 20th century, when scientists used it to describe the behavior of atoms. Now the meaning has expanded colloquially to include “weird” or “unexpected.” The ironic thing is that pedants are complaining about this :”new” usage but in fact it recaptures the original meaning of the word.

Language constantly changes. Prescriptive grammarians and English teachers try to put their fingers in the dike of “proper usage” but the language water keeps creating new spouts of energy and imagination.

What is grammar for? To create common rules so we can understand each other in writing when we don’t have the coloring of tone provided by vocal inflection and facial expression. But once you know the rules of grammar, defy, bend, and even break them!