My “Mid” Meanderings

 

What does it mean to be “mid”? 

Well, you’re in luck. The website for the Today show did an entire article about it in 2024. 

What does the slang word ‘mid’ really mean?”, Elise Solé, Today

According to Bark.us, a company that decodes teen slang, "mid" is "a term used to describe something that is average, not particularly special, 'middle of the road.'"

Why do I have “mid” on the brain? It’s not a word I’ve used in daily conversation, although I did know what it meant.

It turned up on a HoCoLocal foodie group yesterday in a way that had all the charm of getting slapped in the face with a wet fish. To paraphrase:

This group isn’t giving enough attention to fine dining establishments, especially this new one. The kind of places it focuses on are what I think are cheap eats and thus the group is nothing but…

“Mid.”

This particular group has its ups and downs. The biggest complaints are generally of the “I had a bad experience” and quite frankly some of those cross the line in my opinion. The group was founded to support local restaurants during the height of the COVID pandemic. Sometimes people forget this. While no one is obliged to like every place they visit it’s also true that negative online posts can have a devastating impact in the food service industry.

Short version: think before you speak.

I’d say the second most common complaints are “Why doesn’t this town have any decent ________?” Those may come from a legitimate craving for a certain kind of food and yet it’s a slippery slope from that to “I guess this isn’t a great place to live.” 

You think I’m kidding? You might be surprised. 

But yesterday’s post was different. It basically insulted the entire group. It was intended to be shaming. It was arrogant and accusatory. I came away feeling slimy.

I’m interested in all kinds of food experiences in Columbia/HoCo but there are some places that we just can’t afford. I guess it’s my finances that are “mid”.

The moderators took the post down. I think that was wise, largely because every time I even think of what was said it gives me a strong negative feeling about the establishment that he was trying to promote. They don’t deserve that. They’re new in town. Who wants to be repped by an arrogant killjoy?

Anyway.

My husband took me out to dinner last night. The place was bb.q in Ellicott City. He had been there recently with some friends from work.

bb.q Chicken Ellicott City

8801 Baltimore National Pike, STE K,

Ellicott City, MD 21043

I knew about them from a visit to The Hub in Catonsville. It looks like the EC one has been there since 2023? It’s a chain. It’s that crunchy Korean fried chicken that is so dangerously moreish. I can only imagine what Mr. Mid would have to say. 

We split a small order of honey garlic boneless chicken, the kimchi fried rice, and a side of cole slaw. We enjoyed our meal and took home leftovers.

The service was amazingly good and actually I don’t think I had anticipated table service. Yet you’ll find only the very best folks queuing for a table.

“Dine-in: please wait to be seated. Thank you!”

Have a great Monday and don’t let anyone shame you for where you eat.

Village Green/Town² Comments 

P.S. I am acquainted with fine dining. This is not a critique of high end cuisine.