Unfrosted light bulb
In Catch-22 there is following passage (my emphasis):
The unfrosted light bulb overhead was swinging crazily on its loose wire, and the jumbled black shadows kept swirling and bobbing chaotically, so that the entire tent seemed to be reeling.
Why is the light bulb "unfrosted"? I understand the meaning of "unfrost", but I don't understand how a light bulb can be unfrosted. Is this some metaphor?
meaning meaning-in-context american-english
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
|
show 6 more comments
In Catch-22 there is following passage (my emphasis):
The unfrosted light bulb overhead was swinging crazily on its loose wire, and the jumbled black shadows kept swirling and bobbing chaotically, so that the entire tent seemed to be reeling.
Why is the light bulb "unfrosted"? I understand the meaning of "unfrost", but I don't understand how a light bulb can be unfrosted. Is this some metaphor?
meaning meaning-in-context american-english
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
4
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
1
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
In Catch-22 there is following passage (my emphasis):
The unfrosted light bulb overhead was swinging crazily on its loose wire, and the jumbled black shadows kept swirling and bobbing chaotically, so that the entire tent seemed to be reeling.
Why is the light bulb "unfrosted"? I understand the meaning of "unfrost", but I don't understand how a light bulb can be unfrosted. Is this some metaphor?
meaning meaning-in-context american-english
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
In Catch-22 there is following passage (my emphasis):
The unfrosted light bulb overhead was swinging crazily on its loose wire, and the jumbled black shadows kept swirling and bobbing chaotically, so that the entire tent seemed to be reeling.
Why is the light bulb "unfrosted"? I understand the meaning of "unfrost", but I don't understand how a light bulb can be unfrosted. Is this some metaphor?
meaning meaning-in-context american-english
meaning meaning-in-context american-english
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
asked 6 hours ago
Franz DrolligFranz Drollig
397211
397211
4
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
1
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
4
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
1
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
4
4
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
1
1
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
It means the light bulb that is "not frosted"? Frosted glass is translucent(semi transparent).
So maybe it refers to a clear(transparent) glass bulb where you can see the filament.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
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yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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Source
A frosted light bulb (l) is one with a translucent white coating sprayed on the interior surface which diffuses the light. Earlier incandescent bulbs were all made of clear glass, i.e. unfrosted (r). Frosted bulbs came on the American market in the 1920s.
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
add a comment |
Whilst we can agree about the literal meaning of frosted and unfrosted, the important part is what the significance would be in this context.
We need to look at the properties of these bulbs. Both lampshades and frosting made the light less harsh by making the shadows more diffuse. A lampshade would have given the most pleasant light, at the cost of (1) the lampshade, and (2) reduced efficiency as some light would be absorbed, leading to higher running costs. A frosted bulb would have had the same two effects, to a lesser extent.
This bulb (which clearly had no shade as it was just on a wire) was therefore the cheapest option, in terms of both capital and running costs. So we get a sense of cheapness.
But we also get a sense of atmosphere, as these moving shadows, caused by the swinging bulb would have been much more noticeable, detailed and distracting from this unshaded, unfrosted bulb. Even a small movement would lead to moving sharp patterns on the wall, that would not occur with a frosted bulb.
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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3 Answers
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3 Answers
3
active
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votes
It means the light bulb that is "not frosted"? Frosted glass is translucent(semi transparent).
So maybe it refers to a clear(transparent) glass bulb where you can see the filament.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
It means the light bulb that is "not frosted"? Frosted glass is translucent(semi transparent).
So maybe it refers to a clear(transparent) glass bulb where you can see the filament.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
It means the light bulb that is "not frosted"? Frosted glass is translucent(semi transparent).
So maybe it refers to a clear(transparent) glass bulb where you can see the filament.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It means the light bulb that is "not frosted"? Frosted glass is translucent(semi transparent).
So maybe it refers to a clear(transparent) glass bulb where you can see the filament.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
answered 6 hours ago
yenkaykayyenkaykay
361
361
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yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
yenkaykay is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Source
A frosted light bulb (l) is one with a translucent white coating sprayed on the interior surface which diffuses the light. Earlier incandescent bulbs were all made of clear glass, i.e. unfrosted (r). Frosted bulbs came on the American market in the 1920s.
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
add a comment |
Source
A frosted light bulb (l) is one with a translucent white coating sprayed on the interior surface which diffuses the light. Earlier incandescent bulbs were all made of clear glass, i.e. unfrosted (r). Frosted bulbs came on the American market in the 1920s.
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
add a comment |
Source
A frosted light bulb (l) is one with a translucent white coating sprayed on the interior surface which diffuses the light. Earlier incandescent bulbs were all made of clear glass, i.e. unfrosted (r). Frosted bulbs came on the American market in the 1920s.
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
Source
A frosted light bulb (l) is one with a translucent white coating sprayed on the interior surface which diffuses the light. Earlier incandescent bulbs were all made of clear glass, i.e. unfrosted (r). Frosted bulbs came on the American market in the 1920s.
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
answered 3 hours ago
KarlGKarlG
22.2k53160
22.2k53160
add a comment |
add a comment |
Whilst we can agree about the literal meaning of frosted and unfrosted, the important part is what the significance would be in this context.
We need to look at the properties of these bulbs. Both lampshades and frosting made the light less harsh by making the shadows more diffuse. A lampshade would have given the most pleasant light, at the cost of (1) the lampshade, and (2) reduced efficiency as some light would be absorbed, leading to higher running costs. A frosted bulb would have had the same two effects, to a lesser extent.
This bulb (which clearly had no shade as it was just on a wire) was therefore the cheapest option, in terms of both capital and running costs. So we get a sense of cheapness.
But we also get a sense of atmosphere, as these moving shadows, caused by the swinging bulb would have been much more noticeable, detailed and distracting from this unshaded, unfrosted bulb. Even a small movement would lead to moving sharp patterns on the wall, that would not occur with a frosted bulb.
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Whilst we can agree about the literal meaning of frosted and unfrosted, the important part is what the significance would be in this context.
We need to look at the properties of these bulbs. Both lampshades and frosting made the light less harsh by making the shadows more diffuse. A lampshade would have given the most pleasant light, at the cost of (1) the lampshade, and (2) reduced efficiency as some light would be absorbed, leading to higher running costs. A frosted bulb would have had the same two effects, to a lesser extent.
This bulb (which clearly had no shade as it was just on a wire) was therefore the cheapest option, in terms of both capital and running costs. So we get a sense of cheapness.
But we also get a sense of atmosphere, as these moving shadows, caused by the swinging bulb would have been much more noticeable, detailed and distracting from this unshaded, unfrosted bulb. Even a small movement would lead to moving sharp patterns on the wall, that would not occur with a frosted bulb.
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Whilst we can agree about the literal meaning of frosted and unfrosted, the important part is what the significance would be in this context.
We need to look at the properties of these bulbs. Both lampshades and frosting made the light less harsh by making the shadows more diffuse. A lampshade would have given the most pleasant light, at the cost of (1) the lampshade, and (2) reduced efficiency as some light would be absorbed, leading to higher running costs. A frosted bulb would have had the same two effects, to a lesser extent.
This bulb (which clearly had no shade as it was just on a wire) was therefore the cheapest option, in terms of both capital and running costs. So we get a sense of cheapness.
But we also get a sense of atmosphere, as these moving shadows, caused by the swinging bulb would have been much more noticeable, detailed and distracting from this unshaded, unfrosted bulb. Even a small movement would lead to moving sharp patterns on the wall, that would not occur with a frosted bulb.
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
Whilst we can agree about the literal meaning of frosted and unfrosted, the important part is what the significance would be in this context.
We need to look at the properties of these bulbs. Both lampshades and frosting made the light less harsh by making the shadows more diffuse. A lampshade would have given the most pleasant light, at the cost of (1) the lampshade, and (2) reduced efficiency as some light would be absorbed, leading to higher running costs. A frosted bulb would have had the same two effects, to a lesser extent.
This bulb (which clearly had no shade as it was just on a wire) was therefore the cheapest option, in terms of both capital and running costs. So we get a sense of cheapness.
But we also get a sense of atmosphere, as these moving shadows, caused by the swinging bulb would have been much more noticeable, detailed and distracting from this unshaded, unfrosted bulb. Even a small movement would lead to moving sharp patterns on the wall, that would not occur with a frosted bulb.
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
answered 1 hour ago
David RobinsonDavid Robinson
2,281215
2,281215
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
Note that this light bulb was in a tent - so it may even have been battery powered. Also, in a tent, any wind would cause the bulb to be "swinging crazily on its loose wire".
– TrevorD
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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4
It means a light bulb without a "frosted" surface, so that the glass bulb is clear and you can see the filament inside. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago
1
Most of the old-style incandescent light bulbs were "frosted" (acid-etched or something) so they gave a more "diffuse" light source. Clear glass bulbs (where you'd actually be able to see the bright glowing filament clearly) were more common even earlier (they were also cheaper, once). Hence the cited usage is "atmospheric" (it's old spooky sort of place, with a correspondingly antiquated light source). Like ghost stories are usually set in old castles, not modern apartments.
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
@HotLicks: Snap2! Can't we measure "weight, mass, gravity/gravitas" here in terms of number of words, rather than speed of response? :)
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
...anyway, I am catching up. I think you only beat me by about 30 secs this time, but it was over 45 secs last time!
– FumbleFingers
6 hours ago
Are you claiming that your responses are more gravid than mine?
– Hot Licks
6 hours ago