THIS AGE OF BREVITY
This is the age of brevity. We call things by the capitals that make up their name. During the war the name "Anzac" was coined from the words "Australian and New Zealand . Army Corps," writes "S.G.D." in the "Sydney Morning Herald."
Today we read of the doings of the Nazis, the 0.G.P.U., and OJ.O.—all formed in the same way. Qantas planes fly between our capital cities; Englishmen talk of D.0.R.A.; America has its N.R.A.; and everyone is becoming familiar with A.R.P. work. Another modern freak' is advertisers' "English." We are urged to seek "foot, comfort," so-and-so's tooth paste will give us "mouth happiness," and the Post.Office assures us that it leads the world in the "Communication Art."
There are new diseases, too. The Middle Ages had its "Dancing Madness" and "Black Death." We suffer from (if you believe American manufacturers), Acid Blues, Bridge-table Slump, Floor Pox, Headline Jitters, Lobsteritis, Prairie Squint, Radiosis, Transportation Fatigue, Vacation Figure and Five o'clock Shadow.
And we, used to think Housemaid's Knee was a Joke!
THIS AGE OF BREVITY
Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 31, 5 August 1939, Page 20
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