Just Keep Livin’

That Little Voice 

Do you realize how many ‘justs’ we use each day?

I had never thought about it until someone asked what I mean when I say ‘just’.

Who knows what I mean? It is a word in the English language that I just use.

See, there it is, it sneaks in when I want to emphasize something.

It can mean less or more. It can be an adverb, as in ‘Her actions are just.’

Or an adjective, ‘We are just waiting.’ I became enchanted with the word, and decided to go to my all-knowing friend. Wiki P, and was overwhelmed with various ways the word just can be used, As I wandered through my friend’s endless knowledge warehouse, I discovered even more fascinating things I did not know and did not know I should know. Those things may be discussed in an upcoming column, but I will get to that later.

Meanwhile, let’s continue delving into the just word…just for fun.

It is a handy word, isn’t it? So, my buddy Wiki mentioned one definition of just would be to act honorably, morally upright, or good. Remember, if you are new to U.S. English, just may or may not mean the same as justice. I recommend you visit my friend’s home on the Internet for more detailed info about those differences.

Just can also mean absolutely or simply: ‘I just want to rob you, not hurt you.’ That’s one way to explain why you have a gun in your hand. Or how about, ‘This fake diamond is just perfect’ for a sarcastic thank you?

And just can be a measurement of time, “I just returned.’ That could mean less than a minute ago, or several hours ago depending on how honest you want to be with your answer.

My head begins to spin when Wiki starts spewing combination terms included with just: just so; just simply; just for real; just be; just an end to a means, and the list goes on and on.

Now I just want to end this confusing search for the meaning of the word, so I just closed my laptop, took off my shoes and will just take a nap.