I'm sure there's a completely unrelated meaning of the word to indicate a product (such as a camera), which is better than the average consumer-grade one, but not as good or expensive as the professional model.
I don't know about that, Simon, but it seems a reasonable assumption. I took the definition off the IEC Electropedia site, which is IEC 60050 and has the base definitions for all the electrical terms used in standards.
1979: A consumer who adopts an active role in the design of the products he or she purchases, or who purchases component elements of products in order to build or administer his or her own goods and services.
and
1987: An amateur who takes an enthusiastic interest in technologically advanced products that are intended chiefly for professionals. Frequently attributive: designating a class of products.
As in the first definition, we have a mixture of "producer" and "consumer", which seems fair enough. Presumably, if this specific meaning catches on, it will find its way into the OED.
Husqvarna have used the term for some years to describe a DIYer/ consumer who buys professional quality tools and equipment rather than that intended for sale through DIY stores and garden centres.
Presumably, if this specific meaning catches on, it will find its way into the OED.
You have got me confused here, Chris. You say your first definition is taken from the OED, so surely it has already found its way in......
OED gives, first, a definition; and then, examples of usage. So in due course, the IET's usage may appear.
Much that I detest neologisms, I do appreciate that language is ever evolving. In this case, "prosumer" quite nicely encapsulates somebody who at times (sunny days like today) produces something; but at other times (now that the sun is setting) consumes it.
quite nicely encapsulates somebody who at times (sunny days like today) produces something; but at other times (now that the sun is setting) consumes it.
I normally think of "generators" rather than "producers" when it comes to electricity. So I might have preferred "Gensumer" rather than Prosumer - and that also avoids confusion with the more usual meaning of "pro" as an abbreviation of professional and is consistent with other related terminology such as SSEG (small scale embedded generation).
(I'm still trying to think of a long technical sounding description that abbreviates down to something vaguely amusing)
