Know Your English (Sep 2001)

Know your English

What is the meaning of ``ground zero"?

This is a term that has been heard quite frequently on CNN the past couple of weeks. ``Ground zero'' was originally used to refer to an atomic explosion; it is the site at which an atomic explosion took place. This is how dictionaries define the term: ``the point on the surface of the earth or water directly below, directly above, or at which an atomic or hydrogen bomb explodes". Today the term is being used informally to mean a place of rapid development or change; a place of violent activity.
About ten years ago no one had heard about Vasudeva Nagar. But today it has become the ground zero from which restaurants and designer shops radiate.
The term ``ground zero'' is also used to mean elementary level; a ``starting point". For example,
Many of my students will be starting at ground zero.
My boss didn't like the ad campaign. Looks like I have to return to ground zero.

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"I've had bad luck with both my wives. The first one left me and the second one didn't."


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, September 25, 2001