There are many pairs of words in our English language that appear so similar the reader has to look very carefully to ascertain the difference. A pair that came to my attention recently are Calvary and cavalry.
Curiously, word pairs seem to fall into one of two categories: Synonyms or antonyms. Calvary and cavalry, at first glance, may seem very dissimilar, but, after some morning reflection, I believe that a strong case can be made for a connection between the two words.
"Send in the cavalry!"
We've all heard this statement, often uttered in one of two ways: An urgent plea for help and assistance - usually related to a job-related disaster looming largely on the horizon; or, as in "I'll send in the cavalry" - usually associated with the same job-related disaster but the offer comes from someone observing the crash and burn about to happen. A hundred and fifty years or so ago, sending in the cavalry meant safety and security - depending on which end of the canyon you were located in.
Which brings me to Calvary.
In days of yore, when the Wild West was being won (or taken, depending on your viewpoint) AND today, if the cavalry doesn't arrive in time, Calvary may be right around the corner. Both are nouns that are symbols of safety and security. Bringing in the cavalry denotes responsibility, leadership, loyalty, faithfulness to a cause or group. Calvary signifies love, self-sacrifice, devotion, forgiveness and humility. Occasionally, you will hear a reader stumble over one of these words, accidentally mispronouncing one for the other.
Consider that these two words are more interchangeable than ever before imagined.
If we reach Calvary, is it because the cavalry rescued us?
Ancora imparo
