The library is full of words. And, as you may have figured out by now, I love playing with words. There are some words that we use in a bunch of different ways. The word “middle” is one of those words. So, let’s explore that word, and how it’s used, starting with its definition, as found in the New Oxford American Dictionary: “the point or position at an equal distance from the sides, edges, or ends of something…..the point at or around the center of a process or activity, period of time, etc.”. Okay, that’s pretty dry. So, let’s begin exploring, with some imagination involved:
“in the middle of nowhere”: This is where families often find themselves, when the driver refuses to ask for directions. Synonym: “lost”.
“middle age”: The dictionary says it’s between early adulthood and old age, usually considered as the years from about 45 to 65. Actually, it will depend on when you determine old age descends upon you.So, it’s a pretty fluid definition.
“Middle Ages”: The period of European history from the fall of the Roman Empire (5th century CE) to the fall of Constantinople (1453 CE) — or, more narrowly, about 1100 to 1453 CE. (This will be on the final exam — along with some others listed below.)
“middle class”: As an economic group, it’s the one between the upper and lower classes. So, if you’re not in either the upper or lower group, then you’re in the middle. Go figure…As a political group, it’s the one that possibly gets the most requests for campaign donations.
“middle ear”: Also known as the tympanic cavity, this is the part of the ear that transmits sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear. Apparently, it is where your personal percussion section is located.
“Middle Earth”: The setting for much of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, located between two seas, Beleagaer and the East Sea. It is populated by hobbits, orcs, wizards, ents, elves, dwarves, humans, dragons, and other interesting creatures. Great place to visit — but make sure your travelers insurance is up to date.
“Middle East”: Defined as “an extensive area of southwestern Asia and northern Africa, stretching from the Mediterranean to Pakistan and including the Arabian peninsula”.
“middle finger”: The digit between the pointer and ring fingers. Useful for pressing “D” and “K” and other nearby letters on a keyboard — or on that ancient communication device: the typewriter.
“Middle Kingdom”: A period of ancient Egyptian history (about 2030-1650 BCE), a time of cultural and artistic transformation. Also, on a different continent, it refers to China’s belief that it is at the center of the world, surrounded by natural barriers, i.e., the center of civilization.
“middle name”: Something that some of us have, and others don’t — and some of us have in abundance.
“Middle Passage”: The forced transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas, as part of a triangular slave trade route: goods went from Europe to Africa; slaves went from Africa to the Americas; raw materials went from the Americas to Europe. (Yep! Final exam.)
“middle school”: That time in life when you’ve escaped elementary school, but haven’t yet made it to high school. It can consist of different combinations of consecutive grades from 6th to 9th, but usually includes at least 7th and 8th. Not to be confused with “in the middle of nowhere”.
“middle of the road”: Where indecisive Sierra County squirrels often find themselves. Also, where the chicken is, at least temporarily, while in its journey across the road.
“Middlesex”: No, no, not that. It is a Massachusetts county, where Paul Revere rode around warning villages and farms that people wearing red coats were coming.
“stuck in the middle with you”: A song by Stealers Wheel. Where we might find ourselves, when we’ve got clowns to the left of us and jokers to the right. A regularly visited place these days.