Re: USAGE: 'born'

In a message dated 5/11/01 2:32:40 PM, dbell@GRAYWIZARD.NET writes:

<< How interesting the various interpretations this have been!  I must say
that
my initial (and for that matter final) interpretation was that it was meant
as a pun.  I thought a rather good one as puns go.  I, of course interpreted
the first occurrence of 'becoming' as the adjective meaning 'attractive'.
It was interesting to see this usage was considered rather 'old-fashioned'
by some.  Well, I suppose I'm showing my age, but it's a quite common usage
in my vocabulary.  Some were totally unaware of the meaning 'attractive'.  I
suppose that, in some sense, that suggests its 'old-fashioned' status.
Others didn't even see the adjective interpretation until pointed out to
them.  Could that be because they never or rarely heard this usage, at least
not recently?  I'm beginning to feel old.

As for the intransitive usage of 'becoming', how odd.  I have never heard
this verb used this way.  I must agree with those who would ask "becoming
what?"  I was most surprised to find so many of you were not only familiar
with this usage, but assumed it to be the only interpretation "In a modern
context" as at least one of you put it.  Oh my, I've got to get out more
often! >>

    If it helps, I (twenty) totally agree with you in every single way, and I
don't think of "becoming" as old-fashioned, so much as formal (i.e.: I
wouldn't say, in a formal said, "You look really good", or "you're very
attractive", but rather, "That dress becomes you", or "You're rather becoming
this evening").  It is in my everyday vocabulary, though it does have a
context behind it.  I've been waiting for someone like you (one with
authority) to speak up!

-David

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