Comments on: Walk the Walk

By: MemeGRL

MemeGRL — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:04:33 +0000

I too wish Safire could give the etiology of it.
At our college, we referred to it as “walking” because the procession is down the main “walk” on campus. Or at least that’s always what I assumed. There are other walks or marches before it marking other milestones but that culminating procession was always “the walk” in my time (20 years ago if you’ve generously not been counting along!).

By: lindacopy

lindacopy — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:39:33 +0000

I had the same experience recently, Jennifer! This expression seemed to drop on the scene out of nowhere. But I guess in our current high-speed climate, where stock values can go from 40 dollars to 5 cents in a matter of seconds, a new phrase can be adopted across the nation in a matter of days.
Let’s hope this use of “walk” becomes outdated just as quickly!

By: Anne H

Anne H — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:18:46 +0000

I have absolutely no idea, but love your insights as always. I miss Safire too.

By: Elizabeth @ Life in Pencil

Elizabeth @ Life in Pencil — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:23:43 +0000

I’m only 32, but having spent most of my adult life working in a university setting, I am very familiar with “walking” at graduation. And I agree with you: it sounds sort of, well, tacky. It’s not a dignified enough word for such a regal occasion. Graduations were always a super big deal to me and my family, and “walk” sort of cheapens the experience.