There's an...

"There's an app for that." If you don’t understand that phrase, then take a look at this.

On my annual English language intensive course, otherwise known as my summer vacation in the US, I couldn’t help noticing two new (or maybe just new to an ex-pat like me) phrases: “There’s an app for that” and “Don't overthink it.”

I saw lots and lots of wonderful things on my trip. I also saw lots and lots of iPhones. These sleek objects are not only changing the way people telephone, they’re changing the way they speak. New technology has always changed our vocabulary and when it's paired with catchy advertising, the language spreads like wildfire. A few of my iPhone-toting friends jokingly say, “Hey, there’s an app for that” when faced with any question. “Where should we meet Sarah for lunch?”, “What’s the name of that song?” or “How far away am I from home?” Indeed, there are apps for all of those things.

Apple’s iPhone adverts coyly end with “Solving life’s dilemmas, one app at a time.” or “Yep. There’s an app for just about anything. Only on the iPhone.”

The ads are doing a great job of making just about everybody think they can’t live without an iPhone, which is what ads are supposed to do.

Seeing that September is back-to-school month, Time has just published its Top 10 back-to-school iPhone applications article. I’m sure some of our students would appreciate the top 10 back-to-work after summer vacation apps.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an iPhone Scrooge. I’ll probably buy one eventually, but for now I’m enjoying overthinking that purchase. Yep. There’s probably an app for that, too.