Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Emmett asked: What are your thoughts about rotation of mechanisms?

You make an interesting point about the axis of rotation relative to the operator of the mechanism. I'm sure that drives word choices in some   instances, but I doubt there's any truly universal interpretation. There are just too many exceptions to your "axis of rotation" rule. For example, consider valves that control the flow of water (or other fluids). Your common outside water tap certainly follows that rule. But in many industrial applications, those valves can be oriented in pretty much any direction, and one would still literally "turn on" or "turn off" the flow. I've even seen wall mounted light dimmers that use a small disc, half of which protrudes above the surface of the switch plate, and this literally involves a turning motion on an axis NOT through the operator.

I'm convinced by previous responses in this thread that most of the current usage is driven by anachronistic origins, as Glenn observed.

We now have dimmer switches that require a sliding motion. Those can be operated with a single digit, but if the the operator finds it easier, or wants more precision, with thumb and finger. And some dimmers use a touch sensitive plate. In one instance I recall, when I was carrying something in both hands, I operated that dimmer with my elbow.

I think we have to be careful about too narrow an interpretation of 'turn' when we talk about lights and other devices.

It's turning cold.

Whose turn is it?

I turned 65 this summer.

That turns my stomach.

I turned to computer graphics when I retired.

While at the university he turned against violence.

Lots of folks turned out for the fundraiser.

I turned red when she said that.

I hope I don't get turned into a frog.

The infield turned a double play in the top of the eighth inning.

None of these involves any sort of axis or literal rotation; they're mostly a change of state. Metaphorical rotation, maybe, in most.