The Shape of Things to Come
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8TQ8YzHpz6fN20FTvmGbM1xZbEgWRYZfS8AkzT2aaisp1xibS7l__l4WB6m2LKvvQxQD5q6LNsNNNZ5suT1yP6WIBFtGXFEU-Dc8o11K_tiHbAEsNTxHeKrxUAsNBeIuJwbo/s400/p2covblog.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4_cfQt6OG9TljqcWNQcuTyfDPGFqXnlIGVi1lb4s76FZIA5bTO-2X-0RkvSlSJWOOqyQEB51L_q_EpgMYaj_AmhgcSWmpF0duOwVYPgZsR4fEgmmXi8N7I3fTJmDJ2khwOxQ/s400/matisseme.jpg)
random means "having no definite aim or purpose," (1655), taken from "at random" (1565), "at great speed" (thus, "carelessly, haphazardly"). In 1980s college student slang, it somehow, and sadly, acquired a distinct sense of "inferior, undesirable." (Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper) Well, okay, fine, Mr. Online Etymology Dictionary person, but THIS is the 21st Century. It's a whole new ball of wax.
<< Home