"Good-bye"
Elton John's song says "Sorry seems to be the hardest word." The second one could be, based on the generation we live with today, the word "Goodbye".
I even found it hard just to jump start this blog. "What is it in "Goodbye" that makes it so hard for everyone to say?" I asked myself, since I so refuse to use it as well, during times that it deems to be used. BUT what I can easily claim is that most of us don't even know its origin.
Whenever there's something that confuses me, or something that I am totally clueless about--a word or a concept in general--I run to the books; the dictionary in particular. Probably because I am fascinated with words and its power. So far, the dictionary does not disappoint.
One of the many words that confused me, or I didn't like was "Goodbye". As simple as the word may seem, it doesn't seem to help people communicate because we sometimes mean something else by it, like, "Goodbye! [But this won't be the last we'll see each other!]" or, "Goodbye! [But I want (you) to stay]!" More often than not, actually, we don't even want to use the word because it signifies letting go and losing something or someone.
What we don't realize is that when we don't use the word exactly the way it's supposed to be used, or the word per se, it's the something or someone that we deprive of a wonderful thing.
The word "Goodbye", according to Webster Comprehensive Dictionary, is the word "Good-by/e". This is (hold on to your seats!) a contraction of a 14th century statement God be with you. It is synonymous to the word adieu (that was also used in the 14th century) which means a deu or a dieu--to God.
I imagined people from the 14th century, giving a tight hug and bonus kiss, and the ultimate blessing "God be with you!" Picture that with a mother joyously flailing her arms to wave at her young.
At that moment, it hit me--I think "Until we meet again" alone sounds pretty selfish now. And whenever I say my good-bye's, I should mean it as its origin dictates. Saying the farewells doesn't excite me now, don't get me wrong. But neither do I want to withhold such blessing from people when they leave.
I don't know what you think, but what I know now is good-bye is such a beautiful word. It shouldn't be a hard word to say. I wouldn't hesitate using it when the occasion is appropriate. :)
Good-bye!
I even found it hard just to jump start this blog. "What is it in "Goodbye" that makes it so hard for everyone to say?" I asked myself, since I so refuse to use it as well, during times that it deems to be used. BUT what I can easily claim is that most of us don't even know its origin.
Whenever there's something that confuses me, or something that I am totally clueless about--a word or a concept in general--I run to the books; the dictionary in particular. Probably because I am fascinated with words and its power. So far, the dictionary does not disappoint.
One of the many words that confused me, or I didn't like was "Goodbye". As simple as the word may seem, it doesn't seem to help people communicate because we sometimes mean something else by it, like, "Goodbye! [But this won't be the last we'll see each other!]" or, "Goodbye! [But I want (you) to stay]!" More often than not, actually, we don't even want to use the word because it signifies letting go and losing something or someone.
What we don't realize is that when we don't use the word exactly the way it's supposed to be used, or the word per se, it's the something or someone that we deprive of a wonderful thing.
The word "Goodbye", according to Webster Comprehensive Dictionary, is the word "Good-by/e". This is (hold on to your seats!) a contraction of a 14th century statement God be with you. It is synonymous to the word adieu (that was also used in the 14th century) which means a deu or a dieu--to God.
I imagined people from the 14th century, giving a tight hug and bonus kiss, and the ultimate blessing "God be with you!" Picture that with a mother joyously flailing her arms to wave at her young.
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| Oh, and an adorable British accent |
I don't know what you think, but what I know now is good-bye is such a beautiful word. It shouldn't be a hard word to say. I wouldn't hesitate using it when the occasion is appropriate. :)
Good-bye!
I remember the last time I had to say goodbye to someone, sobrang pinagpilitan ko talagang "Later" na lang yung sabihin namin. Seryoso ako noon, maiyak-iyak pa. But when I think about it now, lakas maka-comedy. Hahahaha.
ReplyDeleteIn fairness, may ganyang origins pala ang word na goodbye. It doesn't seem so hard to say now! :)
BTW, nadelete ko na pala yung Twitter ko, as promised last year. :))
Good-bye to twitter! Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteParang naisip ko nga, maybe it's not really that word that makes it so hard to say, but the reason behind why you have to say good-bye. :)
But I'm lovin' the word. :p
I remember reading the definition and origin of Goodbye before but completely forgot about it til I stumbled upon this. Thanks for reminding me! haha :]
ReplyDeleteGuia! aka Pixie Dust! I am so sorry I just saw your reply. I haven't been able to check out my blog in ages!
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm liking the word good-bye more and more, actually. It means so much more than just someone going or leaving, now.
It can be a commencement of a new beginning. Or a launching pad/propeller to the next level of someone to his/her destiny. It could be so many other things!
I remembered a Brian Mcknight song that goes "Where's the good in goodbye?!"
ReplyDeleteNow this could very well answer that question.
Although, I'd rather say "God be with you" instead of "Goodbye"...
...now is that still selfish? :D
Bob! Haha :p Para-paraan.
ReplyDeleteIt boils down to the heart's condition, I guess :D We really can't judge the motives upfront :)