Maryland's Classical Music Station

Why do we need this word?

Foodie.  It has become a popular term, ever since Paul Levy and Ann Barr’s book “The Official Foodie Handbook.”  They coined the term.

What is a “foodie?”  Basically, someone who likes food.   What?  WHO DOESN’T LIKE FOOD?  Seriously.  Actually, a “foodie” likes to be defined as someone who likes to try different foods, and experience new tastes.  I always thought that we had a perfectly good term for that.  Epicure.  It even sounds better.  E-pi-cure.  It kind of rolls off the tongue.  Almost like “Ditters von Dittersdorf.”  “Foodie,” on the other hand borders on the vulgar.

Following this example, I suppose one can take anything one likes, add a “ie” to the end, and we now have a new field of expertise.  I like to read, so I guess I’m a “bookie.”  Wait.  Somehow that didn’t come out right.   But I think I’ve made my point.