The Chameleon of Words

I don’t know that much about chameleons, but I’ve learned that they primarily change color to indicate emotion, although they are also able to camouflage themselves in their environment. Their camouflage is part of their defense mechanism for survival. Also, the speed and intensity by which they shift colors is a communication of their feelings. Chameleons are, in my opinion, pretty wondrous creatures.

I’ve noticed that in speaking and writing, we also have a word that is quite the chameleon.

“Well, that was interesting.”

“That was a really interesting talk you gave.”

“How interesting.”

What does interesting mean, really? Sometimes it’s a compliment of the highest form. Other times, well, you can’t really be sure what it means. Often, I’ve noticed that the word is used when someone wants to communicate something more, but is not about to elaborate on it, a silent “I have so much more to say, but I’m not saying it here or at this time.”

As a writer, I have used the word in just as many ways. I appreciate this multi-faceted word of the English language. It makes my job so much easier and well, a lot more interesting.