All in favor of using "interest" solely in economics?

It's time we discuss the word "interesting."

Wow, Karla, you're researching bugs for a science project? That's so interesting!
Look at Karla over there, playing with bugs. She's...interesting.
Wasn't gonna buy the picture. Courtesy of Shutterstock

What does interesting mean? The OED's first definition spells it out to indicate concern, to touch, to affect, or to indicate importance...yet it's commonly used today to convey a variety of sentiments:

  • When something is unique or niche; Teaching ASL to apes
  • When something is bland or boring; Making photocopies of tax forms
  • When something is weird or abnormal; Eating spiders
The worst part is how ambiguously the word is used, having multiple connotations. It can be used to wholeheartedly indicate interest, halfheartedly dismiss, and sarcastically make fun and tease.

While aggravating to encounter "interesting" in the wild, it's a good example of the versatility and metamorphemis of language. How can a word used to describe genuine excitement double as an example of that exact lack of interest?

If I encounter "interesting" in my reading, I tend to pause and reflect. There are other words that can more accurately capture a feeling or pinpoint a level of generated emotion:
  • Did you discover a new species of organism? How captivating!
  • Oh...you collect old deodorant sticks? That's...unconventional.
  • Your favorite color is Pantone 448C? Quite peculiar.
Be on the lookout for other words that seemingly have no meaning - yet also are rich with ambiguity! What words have you stumbled across that you found...interesting...?

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