Urban Dictionary defines "eavesdropping" as:
To spy on something or somebody.
Two federal intelligence agents were charged of eavesdropping on behalf of Russia.
Related Words: espionage, whistle-blowing, nosing.
The Online Etymology Dictionary states that an "eavesdropper" is:
"mid-15c., from M.E. eavesdrop, from O.E. yfesdrype "place around a house where the rainwater drips off the roof," from eave (q.v.) + drip. Technically, "one who stands at walls or windows to overhear what's going on inside."
The ever-lovely Miriam-Webster Dictionary describes "eavesdropping" as:
"to listen secretly to what is said in private "
And the incorrigible (do you need an definition for that, too?) Jazmin Miller (dare you to click that hyperlink) defines "eavesdropping," at least for my purposes, as:
"I heard you."
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I've always been of the opinion that if you are going to say something that you don't want "other people" to hear, you better darn well say it when "other people" aren't around. If other people are around, it's fair game for them to hear it, because let's face it: only 7 year old's can pull off selective hearing with any semblance of grace.
A "private" conversation held in public is no longer private.
Again, for my purposes, the part B to that phrase is: "therefore I will post whatever you say on Twitter."
Part of me is trying to make you laugh and get excited about my new favorite hashtag, but the other part of me is serious enough to be repetitive: if you want privacy, then keep your personal business private. Remember the delicacy of being discreet and verbally conservative, before Facebook and (ironically) Twitter brought our feelings and words to the public and un-erasable diary of the internet? Back when we whispered and spoke in confidence?
In a way, this new hashtag is a plea for you (not necessarily you the reader, I am speaking to the ambiguous, vague, societal "you") to watch what you say.
Because, if I hear you, I'll probably take it out of context and paste it on the internet.
NOTE: I am totally open to differing opinions on the idea of "eavesdropping." Just to be clear, I am not following people into their homes or taping microphones into restaurant booths, everything I post I hear in painfully public places.
Also, if you like, you can stay updated and follow me on Twitter here.
Also, if you like, you can stay updated and follow me on Twitter here.
