I was scanning the headlines this morning and this one struck me about an iconic NASCAR driver. Read the MSN article here.
So, as I am accustomed to do, I checked out where the phrase “long in the tooth” comes from. According to many sources it derives its veracity from the fact that horses’ teeth continue to grow unlike us and most other mammals. So, it is simply a statement that someone is getting old. But, as you watch how the phrase is used, you will clearly detect a tone of disdain and disrespect. After all, how can older be better?
The phrase being used today in our industry is DOUG: Dumb Old Utility Guy. Sorry to those of you whose name is Doug.
Really? Many of the ideas I hear from the newbies in the industry are DAD: Dumb as Dirt. Those of us who have lived in the industry during the past few decades of change can see things that these very bright but totally ungrounded new entrants simply don’t.
Hmmm … it seems that every culture around the world values those who have lived a long time. I remember constantly being told to respect our elders.
Seems like very good advice.
