Expanding Lexicon

Expanding Lexicon

Episode 1- Acid Test

03/03/19

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Welcome to Expanding Lexicon the story behind the things we say. Today’s episode is about an idiom.

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An idiom is a group of words that through use develops a meaning different than that of the individual words it contains. Idioms are culturally and historically bound and may change over time. Idioms are a figure of speech that we use in everyday conversation with little or no knowledge of their origin (stuff media) they can turn into overused clichés or become slang or jargon bound to specific regions, groups or professions. Idioms can be basic or complex with specific or widespread use. The complex nature and deeper meaning behind idioms make them difficult for non-native speakers to grasp (Malkoc 5). The goal of today’s podcast will be to look into the history and development of an idiom over two and a half centuries. What is today’s topic?

The Acid Test.

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Historically an acid test shows the purity of precious metal (Malkoc 7). As an idiom an acid test is a crucial trial to determine something’s worth (Ammer). Example: The town hall meeting would be an acid test of the candidate’s public speaking for the upcoming rally.  How did we get from one to the other and how are we using this idiom today?

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Let’s begin with what an acid test is. Originating about the mid 1700’s a test for silver or gold (Malkoc 7) involved making a marks on both a piece of questionable metal and a piece of metal with known content the marks were then simultaneously treated with Nitric Acid to compare the effects of the acid on both pieces. The acid would dissolve other metals or impurities more readily then pure silver or gold. Giving the tester an understanding of the purity of the metal in their possession (O’conner)

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The term acid test began taking on figurative meaning around the mid-19th century. In 1844 still referring to metal purity a Philadelphian newspaper article contains the quote “The gentleman would then offer to bet $5 that the quarter was good, and would stand the acid test, which, as it was good silver [it] would of course do” (O’conner)

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The idioms first use showing the term acid test as a show of worth may be seen as early as 1854 in a quote from the, Columbia Reporter, a Wisconsin paper: “Twenty-four years of service demonstrates his ability to stand the acid test.” (O’Conner)

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Today we continue to use both the literal and idiomatic linguistic variations of the term “acid test” The Gemological Institute of America continues to recommend a touchstone acid test to determine gold purity (GIA) and the idiom “Acid Test” is in continued everyday use by the English speaking public. Take this headline from the Guardian in October 2018 “The all blacks will provide the acid test for the north’s leading lights. The autumn tests provide an indication of sides’ potential for next year’s world cup in Japan” (Rees).

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From a literal test using acid to a figurative show of value I hope you have enjoyed the journey of today’s idiom.

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Please follow the show on Instagram at expanding lexicon. Check the website for the show notes and bibliography at www.expandinglexicon.wixsite.com/podcast. Feel free to leave comments, stories, episode suggestions or just say hi.

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Thank you for listening to today’s episode. I hope that it passed your acid test.

 

 

 

Works Cited

GIA's Jewelry Manufacturing Arts Instructors. “Bench Tip #9: Use the Touchstone Method for Testing Purity in Karat Gold.” Spinel Gemstone | Spinel Stone - GIA, Gemological Institute of America, www.gia.edu/bench-tip-use-the-touchstone-method-for-testing-purity-karat-gold.

"Idiomatic For The People, Part I" 22 January 2019.

Stuff Media LLC. <https://www.ridiculoushistoryshow.com/podcasts/idiomatic-for-the-people-part-i.htm> 3 March 2019

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Malkoç, Anna Maria, Smolinski, Frank, and Curry, Dean. In the Loop : a Reference Guide to American English Idioms . First edition 2010. Washington, DC: Office of English Language Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, 2010. Print.

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O'Connor, Patricia T, and Stewart Kellerman. “An Acid Test-with Real Acid.” Grammarphobia, 5 July 2018, www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2018/07/acid-test.html.

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Rees, Paul. “The All Blacks Will Provide the Acid Test for North's Leading Lights.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 28 Oct. 2018, www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/oct/28/autumn-internationals-preview.