It’s rather lamentable that despite the insistence by the English masters and purists the verb, “rub” should be discarded or apply minimally and replaced with the verb, ‘meet’ minds, the majority of speakers and writers are still stuck to the vocabulary, “rub minds.” The media, as rightly observed, influence the manner the language is used, not only in Nigeria, but across boundaries. Just days ago, before penning my thoughts on paper concerning the modern application of some expressions, be it idioms or straight forward sentences, I came across this old phrase boldly written to tell the type of programme, “Rub minds,” a panel discussion presentation broadcast by a foremost television station in Nigeria (name withheld).
I am not saying the decision by who ever conceived the idea of the subject, “Rub minds” is a bad one, my quarrel is, the old English, “rub minds” has ran its full course; a tired and over used statement that should no longer be preferred to occupy the front desk often referred to as front or backdrop in television programming, or props that add up to the give television its aesthetic ambience. By now we should advance to the next level. How about looking or searching for the synonym or fresh expression that would displace the archaic or hackneyed vocabulary, “rub minds.” The smart and well grounded producer and writer would always navigate through the over 500,000 English words the standard and modern dictionary provides to pick the one that suits his or her purpose or needs.
As I often reminds our readers and listeners alike, when we decide to write and express our opinions on paper, or even mouth it, words that come cheap as a result of over use pops up immediately to be engaged, limiting our search for a better and profound alternative expression. Repetition of words become the normal thing. And this retards one’s progress or advancement in the usage of the Queen’s English. Think again, my dear friend, move on to higher level. Avoid the temptation of marking time or stay put in one place. Well, let’s now delve into the topic: Why current usage of “meet minds” make sense, and a better, but at the same time, today’s expression that should be promoted? The statement, “rub minds,” I repeat, is old English, and no longer excites the language purists, and so, should bow out honourably and let the current usage, “meet minds” take over. Change doesn’t take place easily. It gathers momentum gradually.
That is enough reason for some to hold on to the worn out phrase, “rub minds.” But for those who are eager to sound fresh rather than repeating words like broken record, they go for the expression “meet minds,” the current vocabulary. Now, compare these phrases; “rub minds” and “meet minds,” and see reasons why one should stick to, or prefers the phrase, “meet minds.” At least, the synonyms of both statements would give us a clue to either stay with the old expression, “rub minds,” or advance to the current and most acceptable vocabulary, “meet minds.” The verb “rub” has its synonyms as ‘massage,’ ‘apply,’ ‘smear,’ ‘draw back,’ ‘impediment,’ ‘catch,’ ‘obstacle,’ ‘problem,’ and more. Whereas, the verb “meet,” pointedly makes sense, and so should be embraced.
Look at these: “Meet,” summarily, is to cross, intersect, engage, encounter, join, rally, assemble, unite, convene, congregate, etc. Without doubt, the expression “meet minds,” enjoys popularity than the over flogged phrase, “rub minds.” The spent vocabulary, “rub minds,” as we say, belongs to the old school that should be frowned at. Change is inevitable, as people begin to realise that breakthroughs in science and technology almost on the daily basis are indications and eye openers that nothing is static or cast in gold or stone. So English is. It’s odd and eccentric, just as it is dynamic. So, go with the time. You can’t afford to be left behind. The conversation would continue.
