What have we stopped noticing?
The things we say, do, and accept without thinking twice.
Look closer where it comes from, what it assumes, and the case for keeping it
What you mean by it
Send me a message, quickly and informally.
What it's actually picturing
Sending is shooting, a mass mailing is a “blast”, and a quick reply gets “fired off”.
What it takes for granted
That a weapon is the natural way to picture speed. Guns are ordinary enough in an office that nobody hears them go off.
Worth knowing
Friendly register, never hostile in intent. Notable mostly for how many of these there are.
The case for keeping it
“Shoot” meant “dart forth, move swiftly” in Old English, long before firearms: pains shoot, stars shoot, plants shoot up. The word was never only about guns.
Say it plainly
Send me an emailDrop me a note
Or have some fun
Toss me an email