simpatico

[sardith]

My main query about the word, 'simpatico' is concerning how long it has been in use, and whether its meaning has changed over time, since when I hear people speaking today, its usage has widened. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think that some people use the word as a 'catchall'.

Perhaps the Good Doctor could do a column on this word one day and settle the question for me?

Thanks,
Sardith

[LukeJavan8]

Good word, good suggestion. Not heard really often,
but I do remember it catching my attention not too long
ago.

[Audiendus]

My main query about the word, 'simpatico' is concerning how long it has been in use, and whether its meaning has changed over time, since when I hear people speaking today, its usage has widened. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think that some people use the word as a 'catchall'.

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it came into English in 1864, from either Spanish or Italian.

I don't know how much its meaning has changed. Simpatico in Spanish and Italian (and the French equivalent sympathique) means 'nice', 'pleasant' or 'friendly', which is a somewhat different (or perhaps narrower) meaning than the English 'sympathetic', which usually means 'understanding' or 'commiserative'.

[LukeJavan8]

It is one of those words that when said, you know what
it means, but I , for one, don't use it in common
parlance.

[sardith]

Luke,

As for being in the 'common parlance', it seems to me that simpatico was a 'fad' word a few years back~people were using it quite a bit. Now, not as much, but I'd still like to have a column about it one day.

Sardith

[LukeJavan8]

OK, Doc, a column on "simpatico".