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One reader believes that society is “getting stupider by the minute” because of the use of the term “movie trailer” (“Before the show,” Voice of the people, May 24).
Trailers made their theatrical debut in 1912, and the term has been in use since their beginning, when they followed the feature, or played between showings. It is incorrect to call these clips previews; a preview is a screening prior to the release date.
The literal meaning no longer fits, but that applies to many parts of our collective lexicon. Try to “dial” a phone number if you don’t believe me.
Stupider? I don’t believe so.
I think we’re getting more presumptuous by the minute.
