I was having an academic discussion with my (PhD) advisor yesterday when I used the phrase "A into B" for "A times B" (what A and B were is not relevant) and he was like 'What???' I immediately 'corrected' myself but I was wondering what it really means. It does sound strange if you think about it. We just grew up using that word in this context. If I remember correctly, even the teachers did that at school. Does anyone know how or where it comes from? I am still puzzled about this one. Strange I never thought about this earlier. And is it just Indians who do this?
Now I know why 3*9 came out to be 3 in Taare Zameen Par, btw... the kid used the correct interpretation of the word 'into' ... but unfortunately the exam was objective type... poor him
It is funny how we grow up speaking words that we understand and know what they mean but don't know why they mean what they mean! I distinctly remember I used to think '2 twos are 4' as '2 two zaa 4' or something like that for a long long time.
Bang on!
ReplyDeleteI've wondered about it many times... But never discussed with anyone(duh :P)
And I was totally shocked (happily... felt enlightened) to see '2 twos are 4' the first time :)
I figured out the '2 twos are 4' myself and felt proud of myself when I did :P (in addition to being surprised, of course)
ReplyDeleteditto as dubey ji !!
ReplyDelete