The BB needs a Glossary
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 69
The BB needs a Glossary
to explain all the unusual terms in it. I have been in the program for three years and I still find myself Google searching terms in the BB. Crockery, Whoopi party, and Bacchus, are all things I had never heard of before coming to AA. Terms and slang have changed a lot since than.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
Originally Posted by Pacc1986 
to explain all the unusual terms in it. I have been in the program for three years and I still find myself Google searching terms in the BB. Crockery, Whoopi party, and Bacchus, are all things I had never heard of before coming to AA. Terms and slang have changed a lot since than.
(o:
NoelleR
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by NoelleR
This is why, when I was a newcomer, it was suggested that I study with the BB in one hand and a dictionary in the other.
(o:
NoelleR
(o:
NoelleR
Recovering ostrich
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Posts: 2,551
Originally Posted by Carlotta
When I think of Whoopi party, I think of
I have a guy in my home group who says that is why he read Living Sober when on his own and the BB only with his sponsor.
It`s ok to stay sober
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Central NC
Posts: 20,902
I was told to get a dictionary also,but not any dictionary.
Since Bill and Bob most likely used the old 1898 Websters or one from the early 1900`s,maybe the 1928,I was advised to get a oldest dictionary I could find.
I looked around my house and found a old 1941 Websters which is one of my favorite books still to this day.
Since I started using it,I have become aware the definitions have changed somewhat since the writing of the big book and today,especially the online definitions.I suggest others to do the same who may be interested in the same message Bill and Bob left us.
Since Bill and Bob most likely used the old 1898 Websters or one from the early 1900`s,maybe the 1928,I was advised to get a oldest dictionary I could find.
I looked around my house and found a old 1941 Websters which is one of my favorite books still to this day.
Since I started using it,I have become aware the definitions have changed somewhat since the writing of the big book and today,especially the online definitions.I suggest others to do the same who may be interested in the same message Bill and Bob left us.
Sober Alcoholic
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,539
Originally Posted by Tommyh
I was advised to get a oldest dictionary I could find.
A dictionary from the same period is a good idea because even the common usage of some words change slightly. I think there was a 1938 or 39 edition of Websters, which would be ideal.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 76
A couple of things that bugged me until I finally did a search for the meaning:
"The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed."
I had never realized that one of the definitions for "presently" is: "In a short time; soon." So that sentence never made sense to me until I found that definition.
and
"We are convinced to a man that alcoholics of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness."
Apparently "to a man" means "without exception."
I am usually a dictionary geek, but for some reason I read/heard those over and over without understanding them before I finally did a search.
"The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed."
I had never realized that one of the definitions for "presently" is: "In a short time; soon." So that sentence never made sense to me until I found that definition.
and
"We are convinced to a man that alcoholics of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness."
Apparently "to a man" means "without exception."
I am usually a dictionary geek, but for some reason I read/heard those over and over without understanding them before I finally did a search.
Sober Alcoholic
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,539
Originally Posted by anattaboy
I always wondered if being "rocketed into the fourth dimension" referred to his dropping acid for "ego smashing".
The fourth dimension is actually time. The first three are length, width and height.
I think that the "rocketed into the fourth dimension" phrase was Bill's slightly awkward reference to Einsteins concept of spacetime (which is the fusion of space and time or sometimes now referred to as Minkowski continuum). I can forgive Bill for the awkward reference to time, when in fact what I believe what he was referencing was Einsteins insights which shook the foundations of science just 14 years prior. Einsteins general theory of relativity is not commonly understood even today (100 years later). It goes against our 'common sense'.
I think what he meant to say was that alcoholics come to view things in a completely different way by applying spiritual principles and following a spiritual awakening. This being analogous to how science came to view reality in a differently way when viewed through the lens of Einstein's theory and which showed that space and time were not separate 'things' but were fundamentally one.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by awuh1
Nope. Bill's use of LSD (which was BTW completely legal and medically supervised) was not until the mid 50's and the book came out in 1939.
The fourth dimension is actually time. The first three are length, width and height.
I think that the "rocketed into the fourth dimension" phrase was Bill's slightly awkward reference to Einsteins concept of spacetime (which is the fusion of space and time or sometimes now referred to as Minkowski continuum). I can forgive Bill for the awkward reference to time, when in fact what I believe what he was referencing was Einsteins insights which shook the foundations of science just 14 years prior. Einsteins general theory of relativity is not commonly understood even today (100 years later). It goes against our 'common sense'.
I think what he meant to say was that alcoholics come to view things in a completely different way by applying spiritual principles and following a spiritual awakening. This being analogous to how science came to view reality in a differently way when viewed through the lens of Einstein's theory and which showed that space and time were not separate 'things' but were fundamentally one.
The fourth dimension is actually time. The first three are length, width and height.
I think that the "rocketed into the fourth dimension" phrase was Bill's slightly awkward reference to Einsteins concept of spacetime (which is the fusion of space and time or sometimes now referred to as Minkowski continuum). I can forgive Bill for the awkward reference to time, when in fact what I believe what he was referencing was Einsteins insights which shook the foundations of science just 14 years prior. Einsteins general theory of relativity is not commonly understood even today (100 years later). It goes against our 'common sense'.
I think what he meant to say was that alcoholics come to view things in a completely different way by applying spiritual principles and following a spiritual awakening. This being analogous to how science came to view reality in a differently way when viewed through the lens of Einstein's theory and which showed that space and time were not separate 'things' but were fundamentally one.
Laozi Old Man
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 6,665
SR does not allow links to commercial web sites so I guess I will have to describe it in general terms.
There is an Big Book dictionary and a 12&12 dictionary available from a company named the RecoveryEmporium. I have seen it sold at AA conventions and even at some AA meetings for $3.00
Some of the Big Book meetings that I go to use it right along side the Big Book and make an announcement that anyone can raise their hand and ask for a definition in real time.
It is also available as a PDF download but again I can't link to it per SR rules.
There is an Big Book dictionary and a 12&12 dictionary available from a company named the RecoveryEmporium. I have seen it sold at AA conventions and even at some AA meetings for $3.00
Some of the Big Book meetings that I go to use it right along side the Big Book and make an announcement that anyone can raise their hand and ask for a definition in real time.
It is also available as a PDF download but again I can't link to it per SR rules.
12 Step Recovered Alcoholic
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 6,613
I think the book says "rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed" . To me it is a reference to the fellowship of the Spirit, as distinct from the spirit of the fellowship, and is a state brought on through spiritual experience and maintained by practicing spiritual principles.
There are "4th dimension" groups in existence, perhaps one of their members would enlighten us further. My bet is they are very focussed on helping others.
There are "4th dimension" groups in existence, perhaps one of their members would enlighten us further. My bet is they are very focussed on helping others.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Zion, Illinois
Posts: 3,411
Originally Posted by Pacc1986
to explain all the unusual terms in it. I have been in the program for three years and I still find myself Google searching terms in the BB. Crockery, Whoopi party, and Bacchus, are all things I had never heard of before coming to AA. Terms and slang have changed a lot since than.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Pacific Coast
Posts: 785
Originally Posted by Music
I noticed someone suggested the use of a dictionary. I'd also suggest the use of a sponsor. A sponsor, to me is similar to using a guide when I'm visiting a strange new country when I don't know my way around or understand the "language". I'd also suggest that you might consider trying to use AA material without trying to find fault with it. Getting sober is about finding my own faults and getting help to deal with them so I don't have to drink about them. An attitude of gratitude for the Big Book might also be helpful.
I would think just the opposite -- that someone who asks questions is more likely to absorb and comprehend the context of the book than someone who is dully incurious, irrespective of their level of "gratitude."
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
