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App — the Most Abused Word In Tech?

Posted by timothy on from the I-remember-calling-them-programs dept.

Barence writes "PC Pro has a blog exploring the misuse of the word 'app'. Until the iPhone came along, the word 'application' largely meant a self-contained piece of software installed on a PC or Mac. Then Apple took ownership, trimmed it to three letters, and within months the word 'app' became synonymous with small widgets of code for smartphones. Now, Google's pushing the boundaries of the 'app' definition even further. Google Chrome users will have seen a new addition to their browser recently: the Chrome Web Store. Here, you'll find dozens of 'apps' to install and run directly from a handy icon on the browser's home screen. Except, these aren't 'apps' at all. They're websites. Google's idea of 'apps' are what we quaintly referred to in the good old days as 'bookmarks.' Does the word 'app' mean anything at all any more?"

6 of 353 comments (clear)

  1. Pedantry and Nothing More by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Then Apple took ownership, trimmed it to three letters, and within months the word 'app' became synonymous with small widgets of code ...

    Perhaps you would take care to avoid abusing words like 'widgets' and 'code' when tearing down the misuse of 'app'?

    What does "widgets of code" mean here? What does "Tech" mean in the title?

  2. Why worry? by schnikies79 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Words change, things change. Move on.

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    Gone!
    1. Re:Why worry? by peragrin · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Can you identify a widget or program in a way that agrees with everyone as well.

      how about a shortcut, link, or alias? Folder vs Directory?

      App is just a new word. Apple has always used Apps as Windows used Programs. No one wrote programs for the Mac they wrote Applications. however it was sometimes referred to as programs as windows users crossed over.

      Now Apple is popular. Their self contained applications have encompassed many traits. Since apple is popular, every one is copying them instead of paving a new path.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
    2. Re:Why worry? by Kensai7 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Indeed! Apple is not a fruit anymore, it's a RELIGION! :p

      --
      "Sum Ergo Cogito"
  3. Uh, no. by msauve · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Then Apple took ownership, trimmed it to three letters, and within months the word 'app' became synonymous with small widgets of code for smartphones.

    That claim is simply made up of whole cloth. The author has apparently never heard the phrase "killer app," which goes back to way before iPhones or smartphones.

    "App" is a common and logical shortening of "application," and has been in widespread use for a long time.

    --
    "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
  4. Re:You want to know what an "app" is? by GooberToo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You're right, and IMOHO, it all started with Sun - not Apple. People got tired of saying, "Applet", and started calling them "apps". Then Apple came a long and said, "we should call them that." And seemingly, they did. And yet even before that, the word, "app", was being used as an abreviated form of "application" for just about anything, ranging from small, tiny apps (java applets) to desktop apps.

    I honestly fail to see what connection Apple has to this in any way other than attempting to, seemingly, inappropriately, fanboy Apple. And if my account isn't valid, then seemingly Apple stole dozens of friends, family, and co-worker's thunder years after the fact. Where's my money...