Do yourself a solid. Even better, do them a solid.

Giddy-up on into this new month with this Math WoW sitting top-of-mind and on the tip of yer tongue because I am declaring

that this is an actionable Math WoW and, since it also happens to be the first day of a new month, let’s decree it to be a great word for all of March.

There’s a lot of ways that the word solid is used in the English language – not only as a noun, but also as an adjective or adverb. There’s lots of expression to it; telling someone that they’ve made a solid choice or choosing to buy a necklace that is solid gold. It’s a confirmation. It’s an absolute. There’s nothing if, and, or fluid about it.

What I love about the mathematical definition is that it’s short and sweet and to the point – what a surprise, right?!? Nothing about any liquids, nothing about quality, and it lives only as a noun. I appreciate how simple it is.

I chose this word as a Math WoW not because it means something different from its common definition. I chose it because the simplicity of this definition leaves no room for interpretation.

Yes yes, there can be variations in its shape, sure, but you can easily picture a mathematical solid. There’s even something about the word ‘closed’ that gives me a feeling of security.

This is why I am asking you to “do a solid” – for yourself or someone else. Yup, let’s apply the math definition to the slang use of the word, where the word solid is used in replace of the word favor.

When you say those words: Hey, I’m gonna do you a solid (and, a reminder here, it’s totally cool to say this to yourself, as in giving yourself a break or a breather) think of this math definition. Honor its’ completeness. Be assured by its ‘there’s-no-doubt-about-it’ volume. Don’t make it wishy-washy. Don’t say it flippantly.

If you offer a favor in a fully realized form, you’re making a commitment. Thank you for doing that.