jakorte's blog

Eureka! I know why so many Americans are overweight. It’s a linguistics problem.

We shorten everything possible into abbreviations. Now, I’m no scientist, but from everything I’ve read about exercise, the more movements you make, the more caloric energy gets used.

Here’s an example. I overheard the copier repair fellow (who is here so often that he might as well just be on our staff payroll) say into his cell phone:

“They’re due for a PM anyway.� 9 syllables. Now, suppose, he un-abbreviated?

“They are due for a preventive maintenance check, anyway.� 16 syllables, resulting in 7 more syllables, and about 2 more seconds of lip, tongue, cheek, and possible matching hand movements. That’s 78% more exercise.

Here’s another potential solution for helping Americans slim down.
1st example sentence from above = 30 key strokes.
2nd version of the same sentence = 58 key strokes.
Results: 28 more key strokes, resulting in 28 additional finger movements. That’s almost 93% more exercise.

Come to think of it, here’s another potential: Speed dial versus hand dial.
Speed dial: Contacts, scroll, push, dial. 4 Finger movements
Hand dial: 555-5555, dial. 8 finger movements. 100% more exercise.
Long distance? 1-555-555-5555, dial. 12 finger movements. 200% more exercise.

I could probably get a good sized government grant for studying this phenomenon.

jak