Title: The Ever-Evolving Meaning of Grind: From Mundane Workdays to Rhythmic Dance Moves
Back in 2008, an article titled Bump. Grind. Repeat. caught readers’ attention in the Styles section of The New York Times. Journalist Dan Levin had ventured into a New York City bar where patrons swayed closely to the rhythm of the music. He vividly described the scene as dramatic, featuring passionate twirls and amorous encounters through grinding.
The word grind has experienced a fascinating metamorphosis throughout history. Initially, its earliest meaning referred to the act of crushing into bits or fine particles between two hard surfaces, as noted in Webster’s New World Dictionary. However, as time progressed, grind began encompassing a broader spectrum, encompassing both the monotony of the standard 9-to-5 workday and the allure of sultry dance moves.
The Times first employed grind idiomatically in 1860 to depict discontent or grievances with something or someone. A column titled San Francisco Gossip disclosed that, due to the upcoming opening of the California Legislature, individuals were flocking to what would eventually become the state’s capital. It humorously stated, Everybody having an axe to grind has gone up to Sacramento.
To grind also acquired an additional figurative meaning over the years – to afflict with cruelty, hardship, etc.; crush; oppress. In a 1970 article, journalist David K. Shipler shed light on the tensions between building superintendents and tenants in New York City. Shipler described the atmosphere as one filled with hostility and suspicion that ground down both parties.
As a noun, grind can describe a long, difficult, tedious work or study; drudgery. Another 1970 article reported on a newly introduced bus service from Long Island to New York City, catering to commuters who grew tired of battling the daily grind of overcrowded roads that had long exceeded their capacity.
The term grind has gained newfound relevance during the ongoing pandemic. Emma Goldberg, a culture of work reporter for The New York Times, posed an intriguing question, How would Dolly Parton capture the daily grind in 2022?
With the shift to remote and hybrid work setups, the traditional workday, memorialized in Parton’s iconic song 9 to 5, underwent a redefinition. Last year, The Times featured an article about a Gen Z office worker who expressed her greater fondness for the daily grind compared to some of her older colleagues, mainly because the physical office remained a novelty for her.
As we delve deeper into the history and evolution of the word grind, it becomes evident that its meaning has transcended its literal origins. From arduous workdays to rhythmic movements on the dance floor, grind has played a multifaceted role in reflecting different aspects of our lives.
