When Did "a Thing" Become a Thing?

Lots of things are things now. For example, micro braids for hair are now a thing. At a certain point in time, they transitioned from not a thing to a thing.

But when did a thing become a thing? That is: when did it become popular to describe an emerging, popular trend as "a thing"? Alexander Stern writes at the New York Times:

Speakers and writers of American English have recently taken to identifying a staggering and constantly changing array of trends, events, memes, products, lifestyle choices and phenomena of nearly every kind with a single label — a thing. In conversation, mention of a surprising fad, behavior or event is now often met with the question, “Is that actually a thing?” Or “When did that become a thing?” Or “How is that even a thing?” Calling something “a thing” is, in this sense, itself a thing.

The linguists at the University of Pennsylvania's Language Log have been able to trace the expression back to 2002:

I don't have time this morning for a serious search, but on a quick scan, the first possible example that I've found is in a web forum query from November of 2002:

What actually 'is' a flame?  is it the em radiation emitted by burning gas? Or what? Is a flame actually a 'thing'.

Anything can become a thing. But, specifically, what things would you like to see become things?

-via Ace of Spades HQ


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

Paul Reiser on the 90's sitcom "Mad About You" said the expression several times during the show's run. Parenthetically, I believe he is also the person to have invented the phrase "Not so much," as in "You enjoying the picnic?" "Ehh...not so much."
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"When Did "a Thing" Become a Thing?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More