Haircut

During the Greek financial crisis we got used to the phrase "Taking a haircut".  The meaning of haircut in this context is a reduction in the stated value of an asset.  The other definition of haircut is, of course, the style in which a person's hair is cut.  Well today I had a haircut, the traditional type not the financial one.  Usually my wife, Sandie, looks after my hair but when, like now, the weather is getting really hot, a trip to the barber is called for.  Here in Turkey a haircut is quite an event and I want to share that experience with my readers.

First an foremost, you mustn't be in a hurry.  If you have the full works, including a shave, then you might need to allocate up to an hour and a half, which includes your waiting time and socialising prior to the operation.  Even a quick trim is unlikely to be completed in less than half an hour.  I guess it took me around an hour this morning for my tidy-up.  If you enter into the spirit of the Turkish haircutting experience, it can be extremely therapeutic and today that was just what I needed.  I usually publish my blog post on a Monday but I missed that deadline this week because I lacked the inspiration.  But whilst sitting in the barber's chair, having my hair cut and washed, ear and facial hairs burnt off, arms, hands and fingers massaged - not all at the same time! - the inspiration came!  Haircut would be the theme of my blog post.

But whilst my mind drifted, particularly during the massaging period, I couldn't help thinking about the two definitions of haircut - financial and original.  How different they are.  The original definition is, of course, the styling of someone's hair and as I have described, it can be a truly satisfying experience, during and after the event.  Whereas the financial definition, if we use the example of the Greek financial crisis, can be very painful.  Assets are sold off at less than their true values to service a mounting debt.  For some reason that has been likened to cutting hair.

There are some who believe the metaphor is based on the weakening effect of the Biblical Delilah's shearing of Samson's invigorating mane.

Samson's strength was apparently in his hair.  Well this morning before I went to the barber, I cut the lawn but gave up after three hours as the morning sun got hotter.  Now that I've had my mane sheared, I feel invigorated and ready for more action!  So the strength wasn't in my hair!!  I doubt this post will contribute to the elimination of the modern definition of haircut but let's hope that the pejorative connotation of the word will not, particularly for those new to the English language, be confused with a wonderful experience.