Tag clouds have been all the rage on the Internet recently. This is the first really good use of them I've ever seen: a chronological, visual comparison of words used in presidential speeches over the past 230 years. Lots of interesting little tidbits:
- Hated bogeymen appearing suddenly (Spain, 1818-1823, 1897-1899; France, 1834-6; rebellion, 1861-1865; etc)- New inventions (submarines, 1915; internet, 1997)- Words presidents don't say in public anymore (polygamy, 1880; breasts, 1776; inducement, 1817; plenipotentiary, 1818; florins, 1791; burthens, 1801) - Old-timey name shortenings (Benja, Geo)- John Adams, strange-word rock star (elysium, arcadia, matrosses, aristocratical, fieldpieces)
