Why do we use the words we use?

THE word of 2014 is ‘vape’. It refers to electronic cigarettes, which gradually spread this year. Perhaps you were talking to someone and, suddenly, they made a movement towards their mouth.

The first time they did it, you didn’t know what it was. It looked like they were whispering words, that they couldn’t say out loud, into their hands; and then putting the secret in their jacket pocket.

You know that a word has gained currency when you are asked by an older relative: “And would you have heard of …?” Last year, it was ‘selfie’.