When is a Lot a Lot?

One aspect of our language I do not always like is how words evolve into different meanings than their original usage.

Take lot, for example. It first appears in the Jewish Bible as a nephew of Abraham who escaped Sodom and Gomorrah, only to have his wife look back and get turned into a pillar of salt.

Around the 12th century, it added “an object used as a counter in determining a question by chance:” casting lots.

Then it grew to mean “one’s way of life or worldly fate:” one’s lot in life.

Then it became what I most often consider it: “a measured parcel of land having fixed boundaries and designated on a plot or survey:” a vacant lot.

Then it got bastardized into meaning “a considerable quantity:” a lot of money.

I grudgingly accept that last definition, but we already have so many better words: plenty, numerous, large, more than enough, etc.

I think using a lot to denote quantity makes you sound less intelligent. But go ahead if you’d like. Just never write alot because that’s not a word. Perhaps you mean allot, which means “to distribute, divide or appropriate.”

So, when is a lot a lot? Always.

Until next time! Use the right words!

leebarnathan.com