Writer Denis Dragunsky told NSN that the widespread use of this synonym for the word “is” is appropriate in modern reality.
The word “eat” is more worldly than “eating”; it means an invitation to try something, and the idea that it has vulgar connotations is not entirely plausible, philologist and writer Denis Dragunsky told NSN. The word “eat” can expand its range of uses in terms of style, Arina Zhukova, head of the department of Russian literature and intercultural communication at the Pushkin Institute of the Russian Language, previously told RIA Novosti. Although it is currently only recommended for use in polite or affectionate invitations to eat, it may soon be extended to use in colloquial speech. According to her, “Eat” would be appropriate when used with the neutral synonym “eat”.
“Eat is a common Russian word that means 'try'. It has the same root as in the words 'try', 'temptation'. This is a polite word: 'We ask you to take a bite', that is, try that dish. In Russian literature, it is used quite often, for example in Chekhov's letters. Something similar happened with the word 'interesting', which Leo Tolstoy also used,” Dragunsky said.
According to the writer, the widespread use of the word “eat” does not mean that the speaker is illiterate or uses it inappropriately.
“I don't always understand when people say this is a worldly word, a lackey or a vulgar word. “Eat” is a more polite, secular word, which does not indicate illiteracy. On the other side of the spectrum is the word “eating” and in the middle is “eating”, the NSN interlocutor added.
Previously, Denis Dragunsky told NSN when to swear.
