"Silver Tsunami" (first "boomer" files for Social Security)

[James Smith]

Tidal wave was the popular name in use when I was a
youth back in the 50's, but I think those in the know
have long eschewed this moniker for seismic sea wave.
I have no documentation, but I think 'tsunami' has
come into more widespread use in the past 50 years or
so, basically since the end of WWII because of the
more open exchange of scientific knowledge between
Japan and the west (and because 'tsunami' sounds less
mundane than 'seismic sea wave').

"Tidal wave: An erroneous syn. of both 'storm surge'
and 'tsunami'"  American Geologic Institute Glossary
of Geology, 1980


--- Benjamin Barrett <gogaku at IX.NETCOM.COM> wrote:

> I've pronounced the 't' since I learned the word
> around 30 years ago.
> I'm glad that "tsunami" has replaced "tidal wave",
> because I have never
> understood the tide has to do with an earthquake.


James D. SMITH                 |If history teaches anything
South SLC, UT                  |it is that we will be sued
jsmithjamessmith at yahoo.com     |whether we act quickly and decisively
                               |or slowly and cautiously.



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