Wordplay

At first glance, the word spendthrift might seem to be an oxymoron. A thrifty person, after all, isn’t one we would consider to be a spender. However, in 13th century England, when the word “thrift” entered the English language, there was nothing frugal about its meaning. The word referred to wealth, prosperity, or material riches. A spendthrift was one who spent his wealth.

The English philosopher John Locke used the modern meaning of the word when he wrote in 1690: “Most men, like spendthrift heirs, are apt to judge a little in hand better than a great deal to come.”

The word of the week is provided by the Mid- State Literacy Council, promoting literacy across central Pennsylvania. For more information, call 238-1809.