# data[].attributes.headline
Prescriptively incorrect "I could care less"

# data[].attributes.subject
Prescriptively incorrect "I could care less"

# data[].attributes.body
For my prescriptively incorrect usage, I chose the phrase “I could care less”, as heard and used frequently by English speakers to dismiss any irrelevant information or situation. For example: “Did you hear the new celebrity gossip?” “ I pay no mind to that, I could care less.”. Here, the implicature is that the responder is unconcerned with or not interested in whatever new celebrity gossip is trending. On closer inspection, grammarians, and those passionately alike, might say that the phrase should be reworded to deliver the implied message. This suggestion is modeled after “I couldn't care less”. Both phrases are used interchangeably. However, the modeled phrase is often used to correct those who say I could care less; because grammatically, the phrase entails that the person does care, as there are other things they care less about.

Grammarly blogger Haily Spikes, says due to widespread usage of I could care less and its interchangeable use with I couldn't care less, both expressions have become acceptable and are often considered to convey the same meaning. Some even argue that I could care less is a sarcastic variation of I couldn't care less. Essentially, the advice is that either phrase can be used in conversation without causing confusion, as both are widely understood (Spinks). On an even deeper google drive, Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman from the blog Grammarphobia, attempt to identify the origins of the widely used phrase. Although the Oxford English Dictionary categorizes it as an American English error from the 1960s that excludes the negative element, couldn't, the authors argue that instances of the phrase can be found in Canadian and Australian newspapers as far back as the 1940s. They even emphasize the variation of the negation of the phrase such as “no man could care less” (1900); “few could care less” (1915); “no one could care less” (1917); “nobody could care less” (1925); “neither of them could care less” (1954); “I don’t believe they could care less” (1955), and so on (O’Conner, Kellerman).

If both I could care less and I couldn't care less are interchangeably used, what's the big deal? Society has always been defined by systems, holding rules in place to manufacturer concordance. Grammar will always be a topic of discussion, especially in English classrooms. However, the world is bigger than a classroom, and colloquialisms will mold new vocabulary that transcends rules in place. Though the phrase "I could care less" isn't extremely called out, it is still frowned upon by many. This is a product of standard language ideology, a prescriptive behavior that forces people of all demographics to speak a certain way, upholding a hierarchy to say more. As an aspiring linguist, I propose that the phrase isn't wrong, because if it is in people’s vernacular, there's no denying its existence and semantics.

# data[].attributes.body
Filler words like "um," "so," and "like" are commonly employed when expressing complex thoughts, serving as verbal placeholders to bridge pauses while speakers formulate their ideas aloud. This linguistic occurrence allows individuals time to organize their thoughts before resuming their speech, manifesting in various contexts, whether that may be in formal presentations or casual discussions. Despite their seemingly spontaneous nature, filler words play a crucial role in maintaining conversational fluency, though occasionally at the cost of clarity and precision. Nonetheless, this linguistic phenomenon transcends language barriers, prompting my curiosity about which gender demographic employs them more frequently.

A study conducted by UCLA observed the usage of filler words among college students in California, encompassing both men and women. The survey findings highlighted a notable difference in filler word usage between genders, with women utilizing fewer filler words compared to men. Specifically, males, as they quote, displayed a ratio of 9.651 words per filler word, while “females” exhibited a ratio of 11.885, indicating a discrepancy of 2.233 in filler word usage between genders (Are Filler Words Considered Feminine?). Additionally, the study noted distinct preferences in filler word choice, with women often favoring "like," a term that, while increasingly gender-neutral, is still associated with the "valley girl" stereotype. On the other hand, men tended to use words like "yeah" instead of the stereotypically feminine "like." This observation underscores prominent gender norms and roles in society, influencing conversational behavior as we can observe from this study. Furthermore, geographical location may also play a role in the likelihood of one gender using a specific filar word over another, given the association of the valley girl archetype with the West Coast. Moreover, interpreting this data requires caution, as the study's analysis used "male" and "female" interchangeably with "men" and "women," overlooking the distinction between sex and gender.

In reconsidering Deborah Tannen's concept of modeled language, particularly her notion of a rapport style, it's plausible to link the use of filler words with this communicative style. Filler words, being spontaneous and potentially elongating communication, may indicate a sense of authenticity and rawness to dialogue. Tannen's argument emphasizes that women tend to leverage language for nurturing and maintaining relationships, embodying what she terms a "rapport style." However, the findings from the UCLA study suggest that “male” college students use filler words more frequently than their “female” counterparts, prompting me to inquire about what are the specific filler words employed in rapport-style communication and in report style communication.

Storytelling may even vary by gender, revealing insights into societal norms and communication patterns. Differences in narrative styles prompt questions about engagement levels and gender roles within our society, highlighting the intricate dynamics of gender and communication. Another interesting finding I encountered while researching gender-based differences in language is the duration of storytelling of ASL signers. Heather M. Hamilton, an undergraduate researcher from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, found that one gender was more brisk in telling a common childhood story than the other. She asked ten participants to narrate the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears while being video recorded in an empty room. Hamilton measured the duration of each participant's story and calculated the average duration within each group for comparison. The case study showed that “females” signed their stories on average for longer than “males” signed theirs. The range in story lengths for males was from 0:50 to 4:50, measuring the average of the male participants’ stories at 2:35 (minutes and seconds). On the other hand, the range in story lengths for females was from 0:50 to 7:30, averaging their stories at 4:26 (minutes and seconds) (Gender variation in ASL). Though this study only focused on the variations that exist within the language and not on examining the reasons behind them, it has made me wonder about the variables that may have encouraged these outcomes. For example, is it possible that Hamilton’s gender identity could have influenced how participants reacted to instructions? Furthermore, how exactly did this study classify male and female, as it also used them interchangeably with men and women.

Gender identity greatly affects how people communicate with each other, with gender roles playing a big role in how we speak. Since childhood, societal norms instruct how men and women should talk, which affects how we communicate with one another. These expectations don't just dictate language usage, but also shape how people see and recognize one another. Although society sets these expectations, it can also change it, and we see these gender norms being challenged with the evolution of gender identity, ultimately challenging the way we speak as a collective as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Yeah, Um… So Like, Are Filler Words Considered Feminine? – Languaged Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jennifer Beck, Jaymie Bernardo, Theo Chen, Karl Danielsen, and Calista Eaton-Steinberg

# data[].attributes.body
In today's day and age, the scope of language extends far beyond mere words and sentences. It encompasses a rich variety of expressions, comprising gestures, visuals, and even emoticons/emojis, which play pivotal roles in communication across various platforms and mediums. This evolution in linguistic expression is emblematic of the profound impact of technology on human interaction. However, it's not merely the presence of these elements that shape communication, but also their cultural nuances. Each society encodes these non-verbal and visual elements with unique meanings, reflecting sociolinguistic intricacies inherent to different cultural contexts. Hence, understanding this multifaceted style of language necessitates an exploration of sociolinguistic frameworks that illuminate the dynamic interplay between culture, technology, and communication modalities.

Van Herk, the author of the book "What Is Sociolinguistics?", delves into the concept of ethnography of communication, which entails the components of a speech event. He highlights that the contextual environment of a speech event, its participants involved, and the mode of communication utilized, is crucial in crafting an understanding of unspoken rules that govern the discourse. Herk refers to this as communicative competence. Under the same umbrella of ethnography of communication, he also illuminates how language functions extend beyond referential interactions, the exchange of mere information. Just as language can serve an expressive function too, conveying the sentiments of the speaker to the hearer. Others include directive function, when the speaker inspires action, and phatic function, the establishment of a social relationship between two participants in a given discourse. However, I believe Herk constructs his analysis based on compositional and spoken language. Given that technology has advanced astronomically over the years and has fundamentally altered the way society communicates, there is no doubt that visuals used in everyday speech events, like emoticons, emojis, and digital stickers, have adopted Herk’s idea of functions of language.

For many young people, emojis have become a primary means of communication, allowing us to express sentiments without always resorting to words. Occasionally, emotions like excitement or anticipation are challenging to articulate through text alone. That's why my friends and I often include the monkey emoji covering its eyes at the end of our messages, particularly when we're discussing a thrilling upcoming event or idea. This emoji adds an extra layer of enthusiasm to our words, serving as a vivid expression of our excitement. There's something uniquely impactful about the monkey's playful gesture—it symbolizes the thrill we share within our social circle.

An emoji I often use, exclusively, to convey sentimentality is the yellow heart emoji. I employ this visual cue to convey friendly messages, intending it to express trust, solidarity, and sympathy—qualities I value in a friendship. My choice of the yellow heart emoji stems from a childhood memory; I recall learning from an elementary teacher that different-colored roses symbolize distinct relationships. For instance, red roses signify romantic companionship, while yellow roses denote camaraderie. Therefore, I use the yellow heart emoji to signify my comfort and intention to nurture a deeper connection. This is why I consider this emoji to serve a phatic function in communication.

The red exclamation mark emoji is a powerful tool for delivering clear and concise information. Its presence instills a sense of urgency and importance in the message, ensuring that the intended meaning is communicated effectively. In today's world flooded with text-based communication, visual cues such as the red exclamation mark emoji offer a swift and effective way to highlight key points or warnings. Visual elements are more attention-grabbing than plain text, ensuring that crucial information is neither overlooked nor misunderstood. Whether in professional emails or casual chats, incorporating the red exclamation mark emoji provides a visual emphasis that elevates the impact and clarity of the message.

While Herk’s analysis primarily focuses on compositional and spoken language, it's evident that the functions of language he delineates also apply to these visual elements. Emoticons, emojis, and digital stickers not only convey information but also serve expressive, directive, and phatic functions, enriching interpersonal communication in the digital age. As we continue to navigate the complexities of linguistic expression in an increasingly interconnected world, a comprehensive understanding of sociolinguistic frameworks remains essential for effective communication across diverse cultural contexts and technological platforms.

# data[].attributes.body
I love Venezuelan arepas!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
"I Couldn't Care Less" vs. "I Could Care Less" | Grammarly

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The similar phrases "I couldn't care less" and "I could care less" can be confusing and are often used interchangeably, but which is correct? You can find the answers to all of your questions on this common malapropism below.

"I couldn't care less" vs. "I could care less"

These phrases, meant to communicate that someone doesn't care about something, are often used interchangeably, even though only one of them technically conveys the intended meaning.

"I couldn't care less" is the correct way to express having complete apathy toward something. When someone says, "I could care less," they're actually saying that they do care because there are other things they care less about. Usually, when someone says "I could care less," they are actually trying to say the opposite.

Because these two phrases are so easily confused, if you want to be precise about your grammar, especially in your writing, it may be better to just say "I don't care," which is similarly informal.

What does "I couldn't care less" mean?

"I couldn't care less" is a figure of speech used when someone is trying to communicate that they do not care about something-the amount they care is zero.

For example, your friend may say that there's a new video game coming out. If you're not a fan of video games, you might respond:
I couldn't care less about the new game coming out.
In this scenario, you're telling your friend that you do not care at all about the release of the new video game. You have no interest in it.

What does "I could care less" mean?
I could care less about bivariate regression analyses.
People will often use "I could care less" intending to show that they don't care, even though the correct phrasing includes the negative participle couldn't rather than could. Objectively, "I could care less" means you still care about whatever you're discussing because there are things you care about less. Maybe you're not excited about it, but you're not utterly indifferent and unconcerned about it.

For example, someone in a statistics class may complain:

When picking the sentence apart, it might seem this person still has room in their heart to care about bivariate regression analyses, even if what they mean to say is that "nothing could possibly be more uninteresting."

If you imagine the amount you care about something in terms of a scale, 1 being not at all, and 10 being that you care a lot, saying "I could care less" may put you at about a 4. There's still room to care less. If you mean to say that you are completely indifferent to something, saying "I couldn't care less" would be the correct phrasing, putting you at a 1 on the hypothetical care scale. It's not possible for you to care any less.

It doesn't really make sense to quantify how many "cares" you give in the first place. But these phrases are common and often used interchangeably. In both examples, you can infer that the person means they do not care. If you do care, at least a little bit, try saying "It's not really my thing" or "I'm open to trying."

Which should I use?

"I couldn't care less" is technically correct. But if you use "I could care less," you're not alone. It's unlikely that anyone would correct you if you used the latter because "I could care less" has become synonymous with "I couldn't care less." People have used the wrong phrase for so long that either one is acceptable and will convey the same meaning. Some people also argue that "I could care less" is just the sarcastic inversion of "I couldn't care less." Either way-you can use either one when talking.

If you're using the phrase in writing, however, you should stay away from using "I could care less" because it can lead to confusion. In fact, it may be best to stay away from either phrase since they're informal (especially in academic and professional settings).

"I couldn't care less" FAQs

What does "I could/couldn't care less" mean?

"I could care less" and "I couldn't care less" are both used to express one's level of indifference or lack of interest in a particular situation or topic. They are used to convey that you cannot care any less than you currently do, which is not at all.

Is "I couldn't care less" or "I could care less correct"?

If you could not care any less than you do, opt for "I couldn't care less." It is the grammatically correct use of the phrase. Though "I could care less" is acceptable in most social settings, it can lead to confusion.

Why is "I could care less" incorrect?

The phrase is used to say you couldn't care less than you already do. If you use "could care less," then people may think you do care, even if it is minimally. The negative participle clarifies that you do not care.

Can they be used interchangeably?

Yes, they can be. "I couldn't care less" is technically the correct way to say it, but both are socially acceptable in informal communication and get the same point across.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
"I Couldn't Care Less" vs. "I Could Care Less"-Which Is Correct?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The similar phrases "I couldn't care less" and "I could care less" can be confusing and are often used interchangeably, but which is correct? You...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Q: How did "I could care less" (US) and "I couldn't care less" (UK) come to mean the same thing? Is the American version a shortened form of something like "See if I could care less"? (I'm an emeritus professor of education at a British university.)

A: "I could care less," which we've written about before on our blog, is an extremely common idiom-almost a cliché-even though many English speakers strenuously deplore it. And it wasn't first recorded in the US, as we'll show later.

The Oxford English Dictionary describes "could care less" as a US colloquialism dating from the 1960s that means the same thing as "couldn't care less" but omits the negative element. However, earlier examples have been spotted in Canadian and Australian newspapers of the 1940s.

The earliest example reported so far is from an article published in the Ottawa Evening Citizen, July 20, 1948:

"The idea is that because their frost comes earlier (if it does) the Gatineau goers are a more rugged, tougher breed than people who stick around in Ottawa. I could care less!" (Sightings were reported in separate, nearly simultaneous postings to the ADS-L, the mailing list of the American Dialect Society, by Ben Zimmer and Garson O'Toole on March 9, 2021.)

And your hosts at Grammarphobia found several examples in a letter written in February 1949 in Australia. Here are some excerpts from the letter, which was read in divorce court testimony in Perth:

"I did love you with all the passion and love that is possible of a man (if you can call me a man in your idea) and now I could care less." ... "But at the present time I could care less." ... "I don't care how you take it, I could care less." ... "I'm writing how I feel and I could car [ sic] less. Goodnight Zoe and goodbye if you wish it-I could care less." (The Mirror, Perth, June 28, 1952.)

The news article examines a case tried in 1950 in which a woman who lived near Melbourne and taught English was granted a divorce on grounds of desertion. The February 1949 letter, which her husband wrote after he'd left her, was entered into evidence.

In the 1950s and '60s, published uses of "could care less" became more common. Here are two from the mid-'50s:

"He received the most indifferent treatment which a government department can hand out. He hasn't heard from the department since. Apparently they could care less." (The Chilliwack Progress, Chilliwack, B.C, Jan. 6, 1954; the finding was first reported by Mark Liberman on the Language Log.)

"The National League clubs have always shied from pitching left-handers against the Dodgers, but Casey Stengel could care less about the Dodgers' reputation for beating southpaws." (The Washington Post, Sep. 25, 1955; the sighting was first reported by Ben Zimmer.)

This example, which we found in a 1960 issue of the Sourdough Crock, published by the California Folklore Society, shows just how familiar "could care less" had become by then:

"Dear Uncle Flabby: I get sick and tired of hearing people say, 'I could care less,' which doesn't mean what they mean to mean at all. If they would only stop and think about it, they would know that what they are trying to say is, 'I couldn't care less,' which means 'I don't care at all.' " (The comment appears in a column by the pseudonymous Flabby Van Boring.)

Here's another California sighting from the same year: "People who ordinarily could care less about a symphony orchestra have been known to see him [Leonard Bernstein], if only out of curiosity. While they are there, they are exposed to music at its best." (An article about a New York Philharmonic concert in San Diego, published in the Coronado Eagle and Journal, Sept. 8, 1960.)

The OED 's earliest citation is from a 1966 issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "My husband is a lethargic, indecisive guy who drifts along from day to day. If a bill doesn't get paid he could care less."

We quoted so many earlier examples only to show that "could care less" was more widespread, both geographically and sociologically, than has been assumed.

But here we'd like to speculate a bit about its origins, if you don't mind.

This common idiomatic phrase-amounting to a negative statement without a negative element-might have grown from an earlier usage in which the negation comes before the phrase. This earlier usage, which is quite literal, appears in both British and American writing.

In this mid-19th-century example, for instance, the negative "few" appears before the "could care less" part: "Few men in the diocese could care less who are the lucky recipients of Church gifts." From an article in The Times by "S. G. O." (the Rev. Lord Sydney Godolphin Osborne), London, July 30, 1862.

And in this American example, the negation is implied by an "if" used conditionally: "As to profits, if our farmers could care less for the comforts of themselves and their families ... they could now with their present facilities, no doubt double their incomes." From a letter by the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, published in The Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vt.), July 18, 1889, and widely reprinted.

Later examples are plentiful: "no man could care less" (1900); "few could care less" (1915); "no one could care less" (1917); "nobody could care less" (1925); "neither of them could care less" (1954); "I don't believe they could care less" (1955), and so on.

Perhaps it's not much of a jump from "nobody could care less" to "they could care less." Just a thought.

As for the fuller version of the phrase, "couldn't (or could not) care less," it apparently dates from the early 1940s.

The earliest example we know of was also found by the intrepid Ben Zimmer. It's from a story, "The Coup of Mr. Marsland Faille," by Marcel Wallenstein, printed in the Kansas City Star, Jan. 25, 1942:

" ' Why, Mr. Pennington, I think you're funny.' 'I mean it. You see, I've lost.' 'Have you?' she said, and poured herself another drink. 'Yes, I have.' 'I couldn't care less,' responded Miss Mond lightly."

The usage, both contracted and uncontracted, began showing up with great frequency in the later 1940s, in both the US and the UK.

The OED's earliest example for either form-contracted or not-is the title of a book, I Couldn't Care Less (1946), by the English air transport pilot Anthony Phelps. We found one from the same year in an American newspaper: "the mayor's campaign fund to preserve the G. O. P. in city hall is being given the bird by a number of city employees who couldn't care less." (The Indianapolis Times, March 21, 1946.)

You aren't alone in suggesting that "I could care less" may be a shortened form of something like "See if I could care less." The usage has been discussed to death by academic linguists, and theories abound.

Some have analyzed the abbreviated idiom as deliberately ironic or sarcastic. Yet others disagree, pointing out that even if it did begin sarcastically, it's certainly not sarcastic anymore.

And as the linguist Arika Okrent has written, the "could care less" / "couldn't care less" partnership isn't unique. Think of "you know squat" (which really means "you don't know squat"), and "that'll teach you to mess with me" (meaning "that'll teach you not to mess with me").

Whatever its origins, we see nothing wrong with using "I could care less" as long as the user is aware that many fussbudgets still view it as an atrocity-or, as Steven Pinker has called it, "an alleged atrocity."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Grammarphobia Blog: More about caring less

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"I could care less" versus "I couldn't care less."

# data[].attributes.body
In common speech, the third person singular ‘s’ arises when present tense verbs are used with singular nouns or pronouns like he, she, and it. For example, "he plays," "she eats," or "it talks." It is also common to hear this ‘s’ being dropped in the phrases like “he play too much”, "she eat like an animal” and “it talk like you”. Whether or not this peculiar ‘s’ is attached to these verbs, they still deliver the same message. In African American Vernacular English, this occurrence is frequent, while Anglo American English on the other hand has no occasion of this phenomenon. Here, we have two demographics that speak the same language, but find themselves speaking distinct variations of the third person singular.

Matjaž Ezgeta, faculty member from the University of Maribor, denotes in their research essay “Internal Grammatical Conditioning in African-American Vernacular English” that the dropping of the ‘s’ may occur in phrases containing ‘doesn't’ and ‘has’ as well. Using ‘don't’ instead of ‘doesn't’ as in "She don't cry," and ‘have’ instead of ‘has’ as in "She have it" is frequently used among AAVE speakers. Additionally, Ezgeta highlights that irregular verbs may be regularized, leading to the generalization of first and second person verb forms onto the third person singular, such as "I see it, he see it, they see it," or "I was, he was, they was," and "I have, he have, they have." Although both linguistic variants of the third person singular in AAVE and AAE are valid in existence, the dropping of the ‘s’ is not widely expected in work sectors and educational institutions. This is because of, yet again, the standard language ideology. Often, AAVE is not accepted and viewed as a real English dialect, but instead as an ungrammatical variant of English. This view has jeopardized AVVE’s acceptance in public domains, such as work sectors, thus giving rise to code switching for speakers of this variant of English.

The dropping of ‘s’ is a linguistic characteristic unique to AAVE. However, I often find myself using this characteristic. Perhaps because Chicano English (my English dialect) and AAVE are two English variations that find themselves in proximity. I may not have grown up with AAVE in my household, however it has influenced my language acquisition in English. The dropping of the ‘s’ is definitely a linguistic variation I find myself using. I believe the way someone talks is a reflection of their grammatical upbringing. The use of the third person singular in both AAVE and AAE expresses the same idea, but in different grammatical structures that reflect the speaker’s linguistic background, and I think that is beautiful.

# data[].attributes.body
Language, as a dynamic system of communication, incorporates itself into the fabric of the locations where it thrives. Shaped by circumstances, language becomes uniquely tailored to its environment, reflecting its history, geography, culture, and society. Each locale leaves its imprint on the language spoken within its bounds. This linguistic occurrence not only serves as a means of communication but also as a mirror reflecting the essence and identity of its location. Through its nuances and intricacies, language encapsulates the rich tapestry of human experience, offering insights into the customs, traditions, and worldview of the communities it serves.

I recall exploring the amenities of my living assignment abroad in Argentina. Fascinated with the linguistic variation around me, different from the Spanish I speak, something else caught my attention. When exploring the gymnastic utilities of Concord Callao, I noticed the rules and regulations were communicated in three different languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I knew that Northern Argentina borders Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language, but I didn't know how common it was to see signage transmitted in a language other than Spanish, specifically in the capital of Buenos Aires. After months living in Argentina, I began to notice flea market prices advertised in Argentine pesos and reais (Brazilian currency). It seemed that Brazilian tourism during my summer stay abroad, January through May, was high. Intrigued so much as an aspiring linguist learning Portuguese, I took advantage of speaking the language to anyone who understood.

As reported by the Buenos Aires Herald, tourism in Buenos Aires experienced a rebound following the pandemic. The Buenos Aires City government claimed that in 2022, the city welcomed 1.5 million foreign visitors. A significant portion of these arrivals, nearly a quarter at 24.5%, originated from Brazil, with Uruguay 19% and Chile slightly over 10% following closely behind. The report highlighted that tourists typically spend an average of six nights in the city, with the majority (77%) opting for hotel accommodations. This is why you may see rules and regulations translated for visitors' needs and understanding. Furthermore, Palermo and the San Telmo market area emerged as the most sought-after tourist destinations. This observation resonates with my own experiences abroad, particularly in San Telmo's markets where prices and marketing efforts were tailored towards the Brazilian demographic, reflecting their prominent presence in the Latin American tourism landscape. Overall, I find these findings to be consistent and insightful, given that the geographical features, climate, and resources of an area can influence the lifestyle and livelihoods of its people, ultimately impacting their linguistic and cultural development.

# data[].attributes.body
In the world of Latin and Hispanic America, music has played a significant role in creating culture and costumes. Music is a way of liberation, an arrangement of melodies that compose stories of hardship and resistance. The Spanish music market has seen a variety of genres boom. However there is one that has never fallen off the charts due to its catchy rhythm and mainstream status. Reggaetón has been scrutinized since its popular commencement. Having always been associated with delinquency and danger, Reggaetón has been painted as vulgar and aggressive, so much that it has been restricted by law in its home of the Caribbean—where it was born (Reggeatón TimeLine). This genre has musically influenced many generations, and has even globalized puertorican Spanish, a variant of Spanish commonly stigmatized and stereotyped as less than standard European, textbook Spanish.

Despite standard European Spanish institutionally constraining Puerto Rican Spanish via The Royal Spanish Academy (Spain's official royal institution with a mission to ensure the stability of the Spanish language). Puerto Rican Spanish has transcended Caribbean waters and has found itself in the mouths of many non-Puerto Rican Spanish speaking populations due to music. Though this occurrence is frequent, Puerto Rican Spanish seems to only be widely accepted in a musical context, and not so often in a broader, institutionalized sense. Perhaps this is because Puerto Rico has politically been confined by the United States as a commonwealth, where English has influenced the Spanish language variant found on the island. This peculiar circumstance has altered the Caribbean Spanish in a way where the Royal Spanish Academy leaves no space for acceptance in its regulations. Music as a symbol of resistance and liberal expression, however, has generated popularity for the Spanish variant. Words like Janguear (from hang out), Parquear (from park), and Pichear (to pitch or throw) might not have room for acceptance at an institutional level, but are commonly and colloquially used in everyday speech and music.

The Puerto Rican Spanish variant holds covert prestige in reggaeton, as the genre is crafted by Puerto Rican Spanish. It holds positive attributes in music, having its own nominations in musical categories and award academies. However, when it comes to work and education sectors, the Spanish variant is less praised than that of the European variant because it is seen as an amalgamated dialect, a Spanish variant influenced by many languages. It is important to recognize that Puerto Rican Spanish serves as a linguistic testament to the island's intricate political history. The European Spanish variant is often looked at as the standard, holding overt prestige. This may be because of Spanish still holding colonial power, through institutions like The Royal Spanish Academy. Though the Puerto Rican Spanish variant is a blend of indigenous Taíno, Spanish colonial, African, and American influences, the language reflects centuries of cultural exchange and power dynamics, and that is something worth recalling and celebrating in the context of identity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Panamanians fuse Jamaican beats with Spanish lyrics to create a unique sound, ' reggae en español', epitomized by El General and Nando Boom, the original Reggetóneros.

Vico C creates Hip Hop en español, and this begins to influence the Puerto Rican music scene. DJ Playero and the 'Noise' nightclub, start producing a huge amount of Puerto Rican artists and a series of now legendary mixtapes.

Stories abound of drivers getting fined $US500 on the spot for playing 'Underground' or Ritmo Playero, as it was known on those days, in their cars.

Underground in Puerto Rico? It springs through the pot holes on the streets of New York, Miami, Venezuela and Colombia with no support from major labels and little radio play. Artists such as Big Boy, Baby Rasta & Gringo ring through the streets...

The term Reggeatón is coined by DJ Nelson and the bootleg business is booming, with producers and artists earning fortunes selling mixtapes from the boots of their cars.

Major labels start signing international distribution for some artists such as Tempo (Sony).

Panamanian producer El Chombo releases Cuentos de la Cripta I, II and III, gaining international recognition.

The Latin Grammys introduce an 'Urban Latin' category...renaming the genre to make it acceptable to mass market.

DJ Blass releases Sandunguero produced using Fruity Loops - a cheap software which would allow a new generation of young producers to enter the game.

Major labels resign to the genre's popularity, and begin distributing the five Albums now seen as classics: Tego Calderón's El Abayarde, Loony Tunes and Noriega Mas Flow, Don Omar's 'The Last Don', Hector & Tito's A La Reconquista and Daddy Yankee's Barrio Fino.

Lil Jon, one of the US' hottest Hip Hop, produces Pitbull's M.I.A.M.I...opening doors for Latin artists to do crossover collaborations.

In 2005 Hector el Father releases Sangre Nueva featuring presenting the new generation: Arcangel, De La Ghetto, Yomo

Hiphop artist N.O.R.E records Oye mi Canto with Tego Caledron and Daddy Yankee, which is played on Urban radios in the US, and opens the door for songs like La Gasolina. The The Chosen Few documentary is released, finally giving a face to Reggeatón

La Bomba @ Ministry of Sound, becomes the UK's first major Reggeatón party in the UK, kicking off the movement in Europe with residencies in Ibiza, Germany, Cyprus and Brighton.
2006 - 2010: The Game Changing Years
The Reggeatón beat makes Shakira a global star when she releases 'Hips Don't Lie' with Wycliffe Jean - the most played song in US Music history Radio. Daddy Yankee records with Black Eyed Peas and Universal creates Urban Latin label Machete music.

Music industry opens doors to a new generation of Puerto Rican artists such as Wisin and Yandel and Calle 13 to become global hits.

Moombahton is created by producer David Nada, bridging traditional Reggaetón with Dutch House (precursor of America's EDM sound) probably the most significant spring of Reggaetón

Don Omar releases Danza Kuduro - the most watched video at the time and probably the most successful song of the whole year across the planet.

Reggeatón has now replaced all other Latin music as the continents most popular - from Cuba and Mexico to Argentina and Chile. The beat gets incorporated into pop music and EDM, making huge hits for artists such as Major Lazor.

Enrique Iglesias releases El Perdón, featuring veteran Reggeatón pioneer Nicky Jam and then Bailando featuring Cuba's hottest Reggeatón act Gente de Zona. Both become monster hits across the globe, and Marc Anthony follows suit, with two more hits with Gente de Zona, Traidora and La Gozadera.

Colombia starts making waves, becoming a major player in Reggeatón production and artists, with J Balvin and Maluma on their way to becoming global stars. Reggeatón is now the beat of choice for global pop artists. On the other side of the world, Sean Paul, cheap thrills and 'Rockabye', with Clean Bandit, employ the beat in new pop tracks.

Old forgotten Reggeatón stars are now being employed and recognized again and the old sound is being re-developed by Dominicans under the original name "Dembow."
La Bomba celebrates 10 years of Reggeatón parties on March 10th @ 02 Islington Academy. Tickets here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Late 1980s - early 1990s: Panama - where it all began The Panamanians fuse Jamaican beats with Spanish lyrics to create a unique sound, 'reggae en español', epitomized by El General and Nando Boom, the original Reggetóneros. 1992-1994: Puerto Rico - the precocious toddler blossoms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
@ 2024 - Recording Academy. All rights reserved.

Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy and its Affiliates lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Latin GRAMMYs Add New Categories, Including Reggaeton, For 2020 Show | GRAMMY.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the world's leading society of music professionals, the Recording Academy is dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and sustaining music's past, present, and future.

# data[].attributes.body
Long-distance communication is an essential part of modern-day life. Transmitting knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to someone without proximity is an astonishing occurrence—one that early civilizations could never have imagined. Yet, in the 21st century, civilization would barely function without phones, phone calls, or video calls. Technology has advanced astronomically over the years and has fundamentally altered the way society communicates, both physically and linguistically. With the advent of new technologies, there emerge new ways to describe them and their features, showcasing the dynamic relationship between language and innovation.

The use and concept of the telephone epitomize long-distance communication. The morphology of the word 'telephone,' deriving from the Greek roots tēle meaning ‘far’ and phonē meaning ‘sound,’ encapsulates the precise function of the technological device—communication from or at a distance (Britannica). However, this word doesn't seem to be as popular anymore. It appears that younger generations refer to this device solely as ‘phone,’ rendering the word ‘telephone’ obsolete. According to The Google Ngram Viewer, the use of 'telephone' has declined since 1991. Its downward trajectory seems to intersect with the word 'phone' around 1995. But why? Examining The Google Ngram Viewer graph, it's evident that both 'telephone' and 'phone' have coexisted in literary use. However, the word 'phone' began its upward trajectory around 1990. My hypothesis is that it is only recently that 'phone' has been used as a noun (an apparatus), as 'phone' as a verb has always existed alongside 'telephone.' Therefore, I suggest that 'phone' as the apparatus noun is the spike we are observing on The Google Ngram Viewer graph.

These findings demonstrate a shift in the usage of a word, suggesting that all languages evolve over time, gradually manifesting change. The exhibited data indicates a generational shift, and possibly even internal linguistic evolution. Society plays a pivotal role in assigning significance to concepts and words. The use of 'phone' as a noun to describe a communication device may signify a transition from its original verb form, meaning to speak or summon. While this is a hypothesis, it wouldn't be far-fetched if true. Language is highly susceptible to change, and it falls upon its users to instigate such transformations.

Such transformations can certainly peak, and linguistically, we can track this by maintaining records of the high percentage usage of terms, words, and phrases in a corpus of literature. The invention of the pager, an early wireless telecommunications device that receives and displays textual and voice messages, serves as a perfect example for showcasing fad data. The term 'pager' was coined by Motorola, a telecommunications company, in 1959. This may explain the incline seen on The Google Ngram Viewer graph between the years 1930-1963. But how does the word 'pager' date back to then if Motorola coined the term in 1959? Well, pagers (also known as beepers) were used by the Detroit Police Department when they successfully put a radio-equipped police car into service early on (Communication gadgets). Though this device was not the same as those produced by Motorola, it still fell under the category of telecommunication. However, the pager, as a social communication device for the public, reached its peak in the early 2000s. The modeled graph shows the word 'pager' reaching its climax in the year 2000. Perhaps Motorola had competition in telecommunication production at the time. This would explain the rapid decline of the word ‘pager’, as Motorola stopped producing them in 2001.

The evolution of telecommunication has incredibly shaped civilization, revolutionizing the way we connect, communicate, and interact with one another. From the advent of the telephone to the proliferation of smartphones and the internet, each advancement has not only expanded our capacity for instantaneous global communication but has also influenced the way we speak. If language is a vulnerable factor and is easily susceptible to change, and technology advances at a rapid rate, then there is no doubt that both variables impact one another frequently.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By 1979, the telecommunications market was picking up speed. More than 90.5% of homes in the U.S. had telephones. ¹ On January 1, 1979, the first commercially automated cellular network (1G generation) was launched in Japan. However, it was not until 1983 that the first 1G network launched in the U.S. by the Chicago-based company Ameritech. ²

Long before email and texting, there were pagers, portable mini radio frequency devices that allowed for instant human interaction. ³ Invented in 1921, pagers (also known as beepers) were used by the Detroit Police Department when they successfully put a radio-equipped police car into service. ⁴

In 1959, the term "pager" was coined by Motorola. By the 1970s, tone and voice pagers were invented. After the tone, the pager relayed an audio message. This was a big improvement because the recipient was immediately given more information such as "Code Blue in CIU."

But it wasn't until the 1980s that pager use exploded. To have one hanging from a belt loop, shirt pocket, or purse strap was to convey a certain kind of status - that of a person important enough to be reached at a moment's notice. Like today's emoji-savvy texters, pager users eventually developed their own form of shorthand communication.

There were 3.2 million pager users worldwide in the early 1980s. Pagers had a limited range and were used mostly in on-site situations -when medical staff needed to communicate with each other in the hospital. At this time, Motorola was also producing devices with alphanumeric displays, which allowed users to receive and send a message through a digital network.

A decade later, broad-area paging became available and more than 22 million of the devices were in use. By 1994, more than 61 million were in use, as pagers became popular for personal communications as well. Pager users could send any number of messages, from "I Love You" to "Goodnight," all using a set of numbers and asterisks.

While Motorola stopped producing pagers in 2001, they are still being manufactured. Spok is one company that provides a variety of paging services, including one-way, two-way, and encrypted.

Paging networks are often viewed as more reliable than cellular or wi-fi networks. Even the best of those networks still have dead zones and poor in-building coverage. Pagers instantly deliver messages with no lags in delivery. So, until cellular networks become just as reliable, the "beeper" remains the best form of communication for those working in the critical communications fields.

Cell phones take off

Many early cell phones were considered to be "car phones," as they were too large and cumbersome to carry around. However, in 1983, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x arrived on the market. Though huge by today's standards, it was considered the first truly "mobile phone" because it was small enough to carry. The phone, though incredibly expensive, became a pop culture symbol. However, cell phone use had not spread to the general public yet. They were primarily used for business at that time.

Though the DynaTAC and subsequent models were smaller, more mobile, and ultimately cooler, they still had their faults. Bulky, luggable models like the Nokia Mobira Talkman and the Motorola 2900 Bag Phone had longer battery lives and more talk time, making them more popular. As the technology advanced, cell phone companies learned how to pack all the features their customers wanted into smaller, portable, and more affordable models.

As features like voicemail were added, the primary purpose of the cell phone was to talk. Eventually, cell phone manufacturers began to realize that they could integrate other technologies into their phones and expand their features. The earliest smartphones let users access email, and use the phone as a fax machine, pager, and address book.

Cell phone use has now shifted from a communication tool to a multimedia tool, to a "mobile device." We now use our cell phones to surf the web, check email, take photos, and update our social media status rather than place calls.

Cell phones of today are also replacing our other gadgets, such as cameras and video cameras. When cameras were first introduced on phones, the images were low quality and the feature was considered to be an extra. Now, consumers no longer carry cameras and just use their cell phones. Modern day smartphones - the Apple iPhone in particular - changed everything that consumers expect from their phones. The app market has transformed the phone into a virtual toolbox with a solution for almost every need.

It's not just the technology of the cell phone that has changed over time; the physical design has also gone through a rollercoaster of changes. Original car phones and bag phones were as large as modern day computers and just as heavy.

Like computers, cell phones became drastically smaller. Customers' perceptions shifted, and they demanded a smaller, sleeker cell phones. Just in recent years, cell phone designs have started to become larger and simpler, making room for a larger screen and fewer buttons. Because phones have become mobile media devices, the most desirable aspect is a large, clear, high-definition screen for optimal web viewing. Even the keyboard is being taken away, replaced by a touchscreen keyboard that only comes out when you need.

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/189959/housing-units-with-telephones-in-the-united-states-since-1920/

2. https://mobilephoneslive.wordpress.com/1g-or-first-generation-telecom/

3. https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-pagers-and-beepers-1992315

4. https://www.spok.com/blog/throwback-thursday-history-pagers

5. https://www.artinstitutes.edu/about/blog/the-history-and-evolution-of-cell-phones

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From beepers to smartphones - a look back on the last 40 years of communication technology. Written in celebration of TMLT's 40th anniversary.

# data[].attributes.body
Monkey Emoji

# data[].attributes.body
Yellow Heart Emoji

# data[].attributes.body
Red Exclamation Point Emoji