Homonyms for the Age of Coronavirus
[Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.]
It’s not an encouraging sign that I’m writing this.
Until about three weeks ago, a “sewer” was an underground pipe that carried waste water and sewage.
Now?
It’s someone at home — or perhaps a worker at an idled clothing factory — who uses a sewing machine to create ad hoc face masks, one at a time(!).
“Sewer” vs. “Sewer”
Of course, that’s instead of producing professional-quality masks by the tens of millions, and getting them into the hands of 
vulnerable healthcare workers, and after that, the general public.
The other high priority now, at least outside of overwhelmed places like New York City and New Orleans: rolling out (vs. promising) mass coronavirus testing, followed by prompt, accurate results.
That’s not just what I’m calling for — it’s what almost all state Governors, including Minnesota’s consummately capable (yet unsung) Tim Walz, are calling for.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to do those things without adequate direction from, and coordination by, the federal government . . .
P.S.: Runner-up coronavirus homonym: “bat” (as in, “baseball”) and “bat,” the flying mammal — and likely original host of the coronavirus.
Also: an “anachronism” is defined as a antiquated linguistic term or usage — like, a sewing machine sewer.
So, what do you call a term that used to be an anachronism, but suddenly isn’t?
My proposed term: “anachron-isn’t” (sorry :-)).
See, “Masks Don’t Work ” But, Save Them for Us!” (Huh?!?)“; ““You’re My Anchor”: Compliment or Dis?“; and “Real Estate Sales During a Pandemic: Hand Sanitizer, $75 Drone Shoots, and “Covid-19 Clauses”.”
