Have you ever created or redefined a word with your friends?
Living in a world of instant messaging, twitter, pseudo-illiterate rap artists, and texting, new words and meanings are constantly being formed. It’s pretty entertaining stuff.
We live in a society where bad can really mean good, and word is not only an organized collection of letters, but can convey a casual sense of affirmation or acknowledgment.
“That shit is bad…”
“Word.”
Google (not to be mistaken with googol, a term meaning 10100) was coined around 2001 and as you all know, refers to searching the internet using the Google search engine.
Priceless.
So, I’m putting aside my dislike for overly used acronyms turned everyday vernacular like FML, BRB, LOL, and OMG to dabble in the world of word creation. I’ve decided to define my own term, HoboDrifter, in hope that it will eventually hold more meaning than the aforementioned text message jargon.
Redefining Hobo
As defined by Merriam-Webster:
Hobo \hoh-boh\ noun: a migratory worker
A hobo is a bum – a homeless person. We’ve all seen these individuals on street corners pedaling for our change. It happens so frequently in some parts of the U.S. that we quickly dismiss them and continue on with our day. Arrested Development’s 1992 hit “Mr. Wendal” is centered around that very fact. If you take a moment to look a little deeper into the lifestyle of a hobo you’ll realize there is one key concept about his life that our society has thrown out with the trash: simplicity.
Redefining Drifter
As defined by Merriam-Webster:
Drifter \drif-ter\ noun: one that drifts; especially: one that travels or moves about aimlessly
We’ve all been drifters at one point or another in our lives. Think about it… have you always known what your next step in life was going to be? No. I’ll be as bold to say that 80% of college students are drifters; traveling or moving about aimlessly trying to figure out their lives. Keep in mind that this is post secondary education we’re talking about, where big dollars are spent every year for higher learning. The problem is that this aimless wandering is socially frowned upon. Why? Some of the best experiences in my life have been products of impromptu adventures spawned from the desire for spontaneity. Can you argue against that point when looking back on your past?
Dig further into your personal history and you’ll see the real meaning of a drifter: one who embraces change, seeking to discover their passion and meaning through the exploration of all potential paths.
Putting ourselves into uncomfortable situations is one of the best ways to experience personal growth. There are times in our lives that desperately call for aimless wandering, but we’re too scared to answer.
The Combination
So what exactly is a HoboDrifter?
HoboDrifter \hoh-boh-drif-ter\ noun: an individual based on simplicity; especially: one who not only enjoys, but finds value in change – a modern day Renaissance Man.
I believe to be stagnant is to be dead. If you are stagnant you are not developing or changing.
But change can go one way or the other, positive or negative. A HoboDrifter embraces change; finding value in both anticipated and unanticipated change. That’s the key to staying on the positive side.
It’s growth toward your goals. Growth and change do not always require a complex scheme. At times they can, but simplicity should not be overlooked. HoboDrifters love simple.
So that’s it, the culmination of 27 years of life experiences to define a single term: HoboDrifter. It’s a start.
I don’t expect you to accept this definition without first letting it settle into your cerebrum. Swish it around, take in the aroma, and then let it digest. Reread this article once, twice, or 37 times if that helps. Then you can let me know if you like it, hate it, or think I’ve completely lost my marbles.
So, are you a HoboDrifter?
Word.