The term “placeholder” did serve its purpose — I recall how, in Mumbai, we used to place stones as placeholders in queues at ration shops, for theatre tickets, buckets in water lines, and so on. Even in cricket, the night-watchman was a kind of placeholder. But in recent times, the jargon seems to have evolved. I was recently asked to share our firm’s profile, despite being told that another firm had already been shortlisted. When I asked why, the response was that it was “just to keep in the placeholder.” Since then, I’ve grown sceptical about such requests and now ask upfront whether it’s genuinely for consideration or merely to fill a placeholder. By the way - your piece was more than a placeholder.
The summer of 1970 at Rex Theatre was nothing short of cinematic. I’m not just talking about Ben-Hur on the big screen. Jaggu and I were eager to catch the movie, but the blistering sun and the seemingly endless ticket queue had him ready to throw in the towel. Just when my cousin suggested we retreat and try another day, my eyes landed on two girls in the queue. With the confidence only youth and a dose of audacity, I declared to Jaggu, “Watch me charm them into getting us tickets.”
So, with my most winning smile, I approached the girls and asked if they could help us out. To my delight, they agreed after a brief conference between themselves. “Success!” I thought, as we retreated to the shade, assured that our newfound “place holders” would secure our entry. Feeling victorious, Jaggu and I crossed the street to Koshy's café for a celebratory ice cream, basking in the glory of my smooth operation.
When we finally strolled into the darkened theatre, Ben-Hur had already begun. The usher guided us to our seats, flashlight in hand, and as we settled in, I couldn’t help but feel something was amiss. Instead of the charming company of our ticket-buying heroines, we were surrounded by chattering schoolchildren. Worse yet, we were in the dreaded front row, where every action on the screen felt like a close-up of a gladiator’s sandal.
I reassured Jaggu, “There must be some mistake,” confident that we’d been seated incorrectly. But when the intermission lights flickered on, I checked the tickets and found our seats were, in fact, perfectly accurate. Then I spotted the two giggling Samaritans—sitting comfortably way behind us! Clearly, they had pulled off the ultimate cinematic turnabout !
Needless to say, Jaggu hasn’t let me forget this “place holder” debacle for over fifty years. Every chance he gets, he reminds me of my ill-fated charm offensive that landed us in the front row with necks craned upward. But even so, the memory remains a treasured “place holder” in my own youthful escapades !
I liked this. Today I learnt the term 'placeholder' and the range of meanings (dictionary and practical) it is used to cover. I recall travelling by bus in Tamilnadu where I often saw handkerchiefs, bags and, on occasion, even a small child shoved in through the window of the bus to serve as placeholders. Safe journey back home, Prasanna.
Dear Sir,
The term “placeholder” did serve its purpose — I recall how, in Mumbai, we used to place stones as placeholders in queues at ration shops, for theatre tickets, buckets in water lines, and so on. Even in cricket, the night-watchman was a kind of placeholder. But in recent times, the jargon seems to have evolved. I was recently asked to share our firm’s profile, despite being told that another firm had already been shortlisted. When I asked why, the response was that it was “just to keep in the placeholder.” Since then, I’ve grown sceptical about such requests and now ask upfront whether it’s genuinely for consideration or merely to fill a placeholder. By the way - your piece was more than a placeholder.
Nice to read. I enjoyed reading it
Dhanyosmi!
The summer of 1970 at Rex Theatre was nothing short of cinematic. I’m not just talking about Ben-Hur on the big screen. Jaggu and I were eager to catch the movie, but the blistering sun and the seemingly endless ticket queue had him ready to throw in the towel. Just when my cousin suggested we retreat and try another day, my eyes landed on two girls in the queue. With the confidence only youth and a dose of audacity, I declared to Jaggu, “Watch me charm them into getting us tickets.”
So, with my most winning smile, I approached the girls and asked if they could help us out. To my delight, they agreed after a brief conference between themselves. “Success!” I thought, as we retreated to the shade, assured that our newfound “place holders” would secure our entry. Feeling victorious, Jaggu and I crossed the street to Koshy's café for a celebratory ice cream, basking in the glory of my smooth operation.
When we finally strolled into the darkened theatre, Ben-Hur had already begun. The usher guided us to our seats, flashlight in hand, and as we settled in, I couldn’t help but feel something was amiss. Instead of the charming company of our ticket-buying heroines, we were surrounded by chattering schoolchildren. Worse yet, we were in the dreaded front row, where every action on the screen felt like a close-up of a gladiator’s sandal.
I reassured Jaggu, “There must be some mistake,” confident that we’d been seated incorrectly. But when the intermission lights flickered on, I checked the tickets and found our seats were, in fact, perfectly accurate. Then I spotted the two giggling Samaritans—sitting comfortably way behind us! Clearly, they had pulled off the ultimate cinematic turnabout !
Needless to say, Jaggu hasn’t let me forget this “place holder” debacle for over fifty years. Every chance he gets, he reminds me of my ill-fated charm offensive that landed us in the front row with necks craned upward. But even so, the memory remains a treasured “place holder” in my own youthful escapades !
Just brilliant Prasanna!
There are place holders for any situation but not for the "BREW" coming from THEE!!!!!!!!
Awaiting your arrival- you and you only and a PROXY is unthinkable.
Happy landing to you and Geetha to,
Namma URU-----BENDAKALURU.
As pointed out Pras, Placeholder in a Que or a line can often be frowned upon as 'beating the system' or 'plain hogging'.
But Replace holder (replacement) for someone on leave or indisposed is seen as genuine support and a legitimate way of ensuring continuity.
Very pertinent observations
I liked this. Today I learnt the term 'placeholder' and the range of meanings (dictionary and practical) it is used to cover. I recall travelling by bus in Tamilnadu where I often saw handkerchiefs, bags and, on occasion, even a small child shoved in through the window of the bus to serve as placeholders. Safe journey back home, Prasanna.