Evolving language: icon

James Kilpatrick's language column this week deals with the changed meaning of the word "icon." No longer is it just a painting of a saint. It has come, to Kilpatrick's regret, to refer to any object of devotion: music icon Carole King, political icon Che Guevera, insurance icon AIG.

But he accepts that the meaning has morphed. I think we all should, too. (Of course, we probably already have.)