Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with meaning

Please get out of my dreams!

MayNicholas — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:20:04 -0800

Help me stop dreaming about my Ex! I was in a relationship for 11 years. I left him just over 2 years ago because he still was not ready for marriage. We were better friends than lovers, but we were best friends for sure. Looking back, the things we wanted out of life were too different to have ever had a successful marriage, so I am grateful now that we didn't get that far. We still talk on occasion, but not as often since I met my current beau.

Three months ago I met a wonderful man whom I love very much. He is really everything I hoped I would be lucky enough to find in a partner. He feels as strongly for me as I do for him. We are making plans for our future and I know this will include marriage and children eventually.

Suddenly, in the last 2 weeks I have had dreams about this ex I was with for 11 years. Several dreams. This happened at the same point- the three month mark- in the last relationship I was in too (I wasn't in love with that guy though- so I welcomed the dreams because they were better than the relationship I was in at the time).

Now I wake up in the middle of the night after these dreams and I am like WTF! Go away! The dreams are of the OMG! I am so happy to see you! It has been so long! He is always happy to see me too. We consider getting back together, sometimes we kiss or just hang out. They are pleasant dreams at the time and give me a soothing feeling- until I wake up. Once out of my fog, I feel so thankful to have woken up and see the man I love sleeping next to me. I am so much happier to see him next to me than I was to see my ex in my dream.

Why am I having these dreams and is there anything I can do to stop them?

"Twin" Translation

madmamasmith — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:28:47 -0800

I am looking for translations for the words "twin" and "sister". I have used babelfish and other sites but really want the pronunciation not just foreign writings I can't decipher. Also, translations in other languages not listed such as different Native American tribal translations. Help?!

A little distance, please, people!

lottie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:39:47 -0800

Help me say, nicely, "Please don't touch my child". I am the mother of a two year old boy. Lately, it seems like in public he's getting a lot of attention. When we get public transport, people can't help but reach out and touch his cheeks, pat his legs or feet, stroke his hair or tickle his ribs, saying things like "Oh, how cute..." etc. People even kiss his head before I get a chance to say anything. The attention is a daily thing if I take him out. This reached a point of complete lunacy yesterday on a crowded bus when no fewer than three people AT ONCE were pawing him from different angles - a nice elderly lady who had helped us onto the bus, a young, sweet handicapped guy with no sense of personal space (really, truly meant no harm - sort of petting his legs and playing peek-a-boo, which my son enjoyed heartily), and a friendly, middle-aged lady - oh, and the elderly man sitting across from saying "what a good boy, how sweet" etc, while reaching out towards him. It really started to get overwhelming for me, but my kid seems to take it in stride, if not enjoy the attention. I watch him carefully to see if he's uncomfortable at all, and want to put a stop to it before it comes to that.

I don't mind that he seems to be liked - I get a kick out of watching people make cute faces at him while we're sitting in a cafe or something.

What can I say? I don't want to lie, and say something like he's sick with a cold, because son doesn't need to learn to lie casually like that. I just want to say something firm, clear, yet still friendly.

Yes, yes, this should be easy for an adult to handle, but I am looking for some well-worded suggestions that I can feel good about, particularly since these people just seem to be good, well-meaning folk on the whole - you know, nice people who give up seats for us, or help us onto trains. I just don't think it's a good idea for my son to learn that it's OK for people to touch him whenever they feel like it. It's really getting kind of wierd and cloying.

Stone Piles -- Historical Meaning?

psc1860 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:09:12 -0800

I sometimes see decorative piles of stones in front of --primarily rural-- homes. I like the effect very much. I wonder if there is an historical meaning or symbolism to these stone piles or if it is merely an enhancement.

Same sentence, different language, still makes sense?

devnull — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:33:27 -0800

Are they any sentences that can be said in one language, but also understood in a different language (albeit with a different meaning)? Sometimes when I hear someone speaking a different language, I suddenly pick up on a collection of foreign sounds that happens to sound like an English phrase - it isn't though, I just hear it like that.

I don't mean differences between, say, English and American English here, I mean different languages, such as Russian and Italian. Also I don't mean brand names or globalised phrases like Hello...

The County Formerly Known As...

Tube — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:06:42 -0800

Is there a word or term that expresses the following concept more accurately than "rename"? In 1987, when I moved to Seattle, King County was named after William R. King.

Then, according to Wikipedia;

On February 24, 1986, the King County Council passed Council Motion 6461, "setting forth the historical basis for the 'renaming' of King County in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.". Because only the state can charter counties, this change was not made official until April 19, 2005, when Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5332 into law.

Note that Wikipedia uses the term "renaming" to refer to this process. As you see it's in quotation marks, which leads me to believe that the author of the entry was unsure of what to call this transformation.

Looking to the OED entry for "rename" we find;

trans. To name again; esp. to give another or new name to.

But what's going on with King County is that the name is the same, but that to which it refers is changed.

So my question is this: Is there a word or term for this unique linguistic "meaning reassignment"?

I recognize that specificity of definition, especially in the sciences, evolves over time, but the case of King County seems more uniquely clear-cut.

What is this song by the Ethiopian Elvis about?

cptspalding — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:11:45 -0800

Ethiopia/Amharic Filter: I created a vacation video of my trip to Ethiopia and used the song, Mekeyershin Salawq by the famous Ethiopian singer Alemayehu Eshete. What is the song about? (Link to song inside) While searching around for some background music for a video I'm creating of a recent Ethiopian trip, I ran across the song
Mekeyershin Salawq (Amazon Preview) by "the Ethiopian Elvis", Alemayehu Eshete.

I really like this song, but I'm curious what it's about. Anyone speak Amharic and can translate? If it's not possible to translate the whole song, can you give me the gist of it?

Life Decision IV: A New Direction

Anonymous — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:47:53 -0800

Some direction would be nice. I am an English major in my mid-20s.

I edit and write in my current job, but not on anything that is personally satisfying in any way.

I am technically inclined. I can put up a website, run linux, and set up a CMS and server. I can HTML and tweak simple PHP. I suspect I could run the network of the small business I work at better than our current IT guy. But I can't code a thing and I don't have any certifications.

I want a change. I am dissatisfied with most things in my life. When I watched Tokyo Story last night and one character said to another, "Isn't life disappointing?" I nodded and agreed with the other character's answer of yes, it is.

Those are my skills, what little they are, and my ennui. Tell me what I can do with the one to overcome the other. Find me a job, and by extension a life, where I'm not stuck in front of a computer screen all day, and where I'm also not a salesman.

I am in America, and physically close enough to the capitol to work in DC. I'm young and stupid. I would not mind at all moving elsewhere, including becoming an expat and working in some strange corner of the world.

I would consider going back to school for a year or two. I have had sufficient exposure to skilled manual labor jobs, and how they operate in the US, to not want to train to become something like a welder or construction worker.

Come at this from any angle you want. I don't have an answer inside me. But I'll recognize an idea that's compatible with what I do have inside me when I hear it.

I Own Every Bell That Tolls Me

heavenstobetsy — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:58:56 -0800

"I own every bell that tolls me" What does this mean to you? Neko Case's Fox Confessor Brings The Flood helped me through a rough time, and I love this line. I'm seriously considering getting it tattooed on my arm. But I want to make sure that it makes sense. I take that line to be about taking ownerships for mistakes made. Which I can definately identify with. What do you think?

Looking for contextual understanding of Hebrews 10:23

iamkimiam — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:07:13 -0800

Seeking advice about a quote from Hebrews 10:23, which states "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." This is from one of the books of the New Testament (Epistle to the Hebrews). I have no religious background knowledge. This quote is referenced in the data portion of a research paper I'm writing. I'm trying to not only understand the quote and what type of message it sends to an audience, but how the quote itself fits into the big picture of Epistle to the Hebrews, and the New Testament. The Wikipedia page is not very useful because it doesn't explain the quote, or the book of Hebrews in context. I'd like to know what was going on before, after, during this time/passage/letter. What is Epistle to the Hebrews for? What is the significance of the message? If you are a religious person, what does this passage mean to you?

A brief summary of events is great...book recommendations or heavy reading material not so much. I just need a basic understanding for now, so that I can apply the knowledge and move on with writing.

Thanks so much!

Looking up ancient Greek words

philosophygeek — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:50:19 -0800

What resources are available to investigate the meaning of a philosophical term in ancient Greek? I'm looking for something far more detailed than just a dictionary or a translation of a passage--I'd like to be aware of the shades of meaning and nuances of use, historical baggage, etc. In case some context is helpful, there are a couple of Greek terms that might be useful as metaphors in a dissertation, but I want to make sure that I know all the ways that the terms might be taken when designing the metaphor. The catch is that I don't speak any Greek, either ancient or modern; however, resources in English, French, Spanish, and German are all options.

The italian version of the name game. Only minus the rhyming.

rileyray3000 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:03:07 -0800

What does my last name mean in Italian? I was on with a customer service operator last week with a similar name to mine and hers, Chiara apparently meant "soft"

What does Chiorando mean in italian?

Common use of Japanese 'Mu' Prefix

0bvious — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:41:32 -0800

I am looking for interesting uses of the prefix 'mu' (無) in Japanese. I want to find an example of mu's general use that attains to its meaning as -less or an absence of. The example I have currently, 無線 'musen' meaning 'wireless', is a little boring. I lived in Japan for 2 years, but my Japanese is very bad and getting worse. Any interesting words or concepts would be extremely helpful.

Thanks

What does hemophiliac mean?

brevator — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:27:27 -0800

What does hemophiliac mean? I've always assumed that hemophiliac meant "one who likes to bleed," with the understanding that, of course, no one likes to bleed. But now it occurs to me that it could mean "one who likes their blood," meaning that they don't want to give up any of it, cause if they do they're going to lose a lot of it.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Calling the happily employed

koenie — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:03:04 -0800

I have almost finished my degree in computer science, and soon the Real Word awaits. I still have no idea what I'd like to be doing with my life. So, for those who have been able to find meaning and fulfillment in their jobs: how did you do it? I have read What Color is Your Parachute, but was sorely disappointed. I found this book to be full of trite advice and platitudes. Also, reading a 10-page listing of potential jobs whose characteristics are broken down into meaningless categories such as 'mathematics' and 'time spent outdoors' was of virtually no help for getting a sense of what those positions were all about. I'm currently reading Gig and Working in order to get an impression of the day-to-day life in the workplace. I've talked to several people in my field during the 'career days' organised by my university, but they tend to give evasive answers and do not address the issues I'm really concerned about. Currenly, I feel the only way of really knowing whether I'll like a particular position is going out and trying it, since it's almost impossible to make accurate judgements about all the aspects I value from the outside.

So, my question to you: which actions did you take to find that fulfulling job?

SongMeaningInquirer

cashman — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:11:41 -0800

What is Soundgarden's song Room A Thousand Years Wide about? I need ask someone to tell me this. Has Kim Thayil (wrote the lyrics) ever talked about what the song is about or what the lyrics mean?

I've seen some guesses that are pretty random and bad - I'm looking for a link to where they actually discuss it themselves (Soundgarden) or some idea that matches up really well with the lyrics.

Movie clips for sermon illustration

kraigory — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 23:27:35 -0800

Sermon Illustration (preferably a movie) for questioning the meaning/purpose of life, or the idea of having a "new life" or renewed spirit. I'm doing a message at my church and I'm having difficulty coming up with a movie clip or something to illustrate the message. I am introducing the message by asking about the meaning of life, and it'd be cool to have some movie clip to show where the meaning or purpose of life was questioned. AND, i'm talking about having a "newness of life"- "I have come so that you may have life, and have it abundantly" - Jesus. So, any clip (like a humorous clip) where someone felt they had a new life, or were renewed. Or even where someone falsely thought they were, and ended up finding out they weren't. (I picture an old lady thinking she is young again, jumping out of her wheelchair and dancing around, only to fall to the ground quite quickly, or something like that).

Any ideas? Thanks!

I want to have value past my mundane existence?

crewshell — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:21:25 -0800

Lady Li posted a question (2 below this one) searching for this quote... "Most people can't think, most of the remainder won't think, the small fraction who do think mostly can't do it very well. The extremely tiny fraction who think regularly, accurately, creatively, and without self-delusion – in the long run, these are the only people who count." How do I become one of those people who count?

How do I figure out what I want in life?

Waffle_King — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:59:57 -0800

I'm unhappy with my job, it's affect on my life, and where it's taking me. How do I find out what it is I really want in life and start doing it? I'm 23 and working as a PA in animation-- I hate it. I hate making copies, being a mucky-muck, being entry level, working seven days a week on a cartoon movie I don't give a hoot about. Worse, I have no aspiration to climb the ladder and become one of those fabulous producers who are stressed beyond belief and are dominated by a need for money and position. It's just not me.

I studied fine art in college (loved it), I would love to do something where I can get my "hands dirty" and not be in a cubicle all day- maybe interact with others. My interests are somewhat diffuse so it's been hard to decide where to go next. I don't just want to try some random job to find another job I don't like- I want to find out what I like and start pursuing it. Has anyone else ever felt like this? I am ready to quite my job but I don't know where I'd go at the moment- I don't want to go work at starbucks either, and I don't want to retreat to school for a masters.

Help!

Brain's Ability to Extract Meaning Amid Typos?

jimmyjimjim — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:22:14 -0800

A year or so ago, a popular meme circulating via email was an illustration of how the brain can read through text with egregious typos. It was a passage rife with reversed, ommitted, or superfluous letters, but was perfectly readable. Can anyone come up with it? Thanmks!

Meaning in a Meaningless world?

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 21:19:18 -0800

How does one live a meaningful life in a world that one has come to believe is meaningless? I graduated from college in June after having studied religion and philosophy. I grew up in an extremely religious home and had planned from a young age to become an Episcopal priest.

I came out of the closet to my friends gradually during my senior year and to my family shortly after graduation. Meeting my soulmate was the impetus for this decision; we fell madly in love and grew moreso everyday. I asked him to marry me in August, and we planned to be married in November.

My fiancee died unexpectedly in October due to complications from a childhood illness. For a time I was inconsolable. The dosage of my anti-depressant was increased, and I have since taken a job in a stock room to pay the rent.

All my faith in God has been obliterated, and the shaky foundations of my philosophy and religion have been torn apart.

So here I sit, 23 years old, wishing only for death. All the writings of the existentialists and nihilist philosophers seem true to me, and I'm teetering on the edge of suicide.

That being said, my hope is that someone can point me to a book that will offer some sense of meaning in a meaningless world.

I don't mean some feel-good novel about the triumph of the human spirit, and I certainly don't mean a religious text. I'm looking for an argument as to why it is better to live than to die if nasty, brutish and short life is all there is.

I can't bear existence for fifty more years if this is all there is. Someone point me toward something greater?

Who came up with this quote on meaning in creative works?

evadery — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:33:59 -0800

A paraphrased quote: 'As one creates (writes?), it's meaning is known to only two - himself and God. When one finishes, the meaning is only known to God.' So, where did this quote derive from? Who originally said it? Note: my paraphrasing may be incredibly off. Long shots are welcome.

What does Doc Brown really mean in this back to the future II scene?

allthewhile — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:04:10 -0800

What exactly did Doc Brown mean in this Back to the Future II clip? For those of you who can't connect to the clip below, here's the dialog from the original script (slightly different from how it appeared in the movie).

DOC: First you're gonna have to get out and change clothes.
MARTY: Doc, it's pouring rain.
DOC: Oh, right... (Checks his watch) Wait 3 more seconds.
(Rain stops, sun comes out)
DOC: Right on the tick. Too bad the Post Office isn't as efficient as the weather service.
< !-- #i9ix4n2urd6lu5g5o3nkskee7p91v1scnvn5v3edu{width:320px;height:256px;border:none;margin:0px;} -->Dailymotion blogged video

Does he mean

1. In the future the weather is predicted down to the minute...

or

2. Is he implying that the national weather service can control the weather?

I always believed it was #2, however, wikipedia and all the other sites take it for granted that it's #1.

If its #1, I don't know how you can reconcile his use of the word "efficient" as a description of a prediction. Wouldn't accurate make more sense?

the police and the wtf?

luriete — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 22:32:43 -0800

What are the lyrics of the Metric song Police and the Private about? Drug addiction? Prostitution? Post-9/11 security? I have listened to it 50 times and it's driving me completely nuts; I can't figure it out. The last lines seems to undo the above meanings.

what should i do with my life?

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 07:16:47 -0800

what can bring meaning to my life? (long story inside) (sorry, there's a bit of venting that may seem unrelated to my question, but it all ties in)

my parents died when i was eleven, and i lived with my only grandparent until i was seventeen. when i turned eighteen i was given my parents' fortune (a nine digit figure). i'm now in my early twenties living in an apartment in brisbane.

i have no close friends, and, excepting my grandmother (who is suffering from alzheimer's), no immediate family. i've never had a girlfriend or a meaningful relationship. i don't go out. i don't get invited to places or parties, and i think i'm comfortable with that (having never enjoyed those sorts of activies when i was younger).

right now my life consists of nothing; i live alone in an apartment, and i don't do anything at all. i think i'm a shut-in; i rarely leave, not because i'm afraid, but because i don't know what to do outside. i don't even have a driver's licence or a car. i just browse the internet, sleep as long as i can, and watch tv.

my life is very empty, and very unfulfilling. i've done absolutely nothing for 2 years now, and it is affecting me physically (being indoors all the time has made me gaunt, weak, thin, and pale) and mentally (i'm starting to trip over words in conversation, and i think i'm going a little crazy). i'm antisocial, and i suspect i'm also a sociopath. i'm so unhappy. i think my dissatisfaction with my life will disappear with full-time work.

i'm still very much a kid inside; i have grand dreams being someone noble, making a difference in the world. but my reality is now so far seperated from my dreams that i don't even know where to start.

what is the best thing i can do with my life, and my money ("best" in terms of the secular humanism tenant of "making this a better world")? i'm intelligent, but have no skills. ideally i would want to be around people, and i would like to help people. i briefly worked as a volunteer after i left school but found the particular job unfulfilling (salvation army; the people i dealt with weren't very nice, and i'm not a very resilient person). given that i am in a unique position to dedicate myself entirely to volunteer work, anywhere in the world, what avenues should i look into? peace corps? red cross? what kind of skills are needed for these sorts of jobs? volunteering aside, what else could i do with my life that is meaningful? what would you do in my position?

thanks for your time, metafilter!