Let me explain.  When one sits at the dinner table, we take the time to eat beef and not cow (or pork and not pig).

A little thing called history comes into play.  Back in the day, there was a lot of fighting.  And, I mean a lot of fighting.  Plundering, if you will.

With that, the victor was often left to rewrite history and culture.

Hence, cultures changed based on hierarchies.  Forced hierarchies.

Peasants who referred to cow as their meal were just that, peasants.  Whereas, people in higher classes such as the French, after they invaded England, were left to eat the same animal with a fancier name: beef (du boeuf).

Want another example?

The Arabs who were in Spain for over 800 years left their mark in politics (alcalde), science (algebra), and manufacturing (alfombra).

Why? Because with every forced takeover of a country, comes forced takeover of a language based on the expertise the victors bring.

The French won food and partying (RSVP, anyone?).  The Arabs were nerdy.  And, America won just about everything else.

Well, forced takeovers are still there.  But, far more powerful are the industries that have the influence.  This, in turn, leads to language transformation.  Google it.

Here are my tips on how to verb yourself:

1. Don’t verb yourself!
2. Give people a stake in what you do.
3. Be innovative.  Coke did it. (In Texas, we ask for a coke. Then, the waitress asks, “What kind?”)
4. Don’t verb yourself!

Full disclosure: I don’t eat beef and I still relate to this article.

Mixtape: Viva la France!

• “Le vent nous portera” by Noir Desir
• “Samba de mon coeur qui bat” by Coralie Clement
• “Larmes (acoustic)” by Pauline Croze
• “Ondulé” by Mathieu Boogaerts
• “La forme et le fond” by Keren Ann

Download here or on the image above.

Note:  I wasn’t able to add this song, but please buy it online – “C’est plus pareil” by Holden.  Also, if I am breaking any law, please feel free to email or DM me on Twitter.  I’ll take it down immediately.

Photo credit:  “Tower” by nidhug