2007-07-22 19:00:48 · 7 answers · asked by tina b 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
it's means, that younger views who may be shocked by the things they see on the tv are in bed, hence watershed(cry)
the watershed hour is the time the broadcasting companys are allowed to show programs with adult content because it is deemed that minors are not or should not be viewing them
regards x kitti x
2007-07-22 19:07:27 · answer #1 · answered by misskitti7® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word is a current geographical term, denoting the line between two different rivers, where rain falling to either side of the line flows to different systems (also the area within a watershed line, but that's not important right now).
The ridgeline of a roof is a minature watershed.
Hence its meaning of "a clear divide".
The metaphorical usage goes back at least as far as 1959
" His words, ringing with purpose, marked a watershed in French history" , so applying the term to a television divide at about the same period in the UK was not remarkable.
Also found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand... but rarely in the USA, which uses "Safe Haven" as an alternate expression (?)
2007-07-23 02:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
. I never heard the word 'watershed' used for TV viewing. You must be from the UK or Canada.
But according to this dictionary @ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/watershed ; I guess it makes sense.
"...an important point of division or transition between two phases, conditions, etc.: The treaty to ban war in space may prove to be one of history's great watersheds. " ....
and "...A critical point that marks a division or a change of course; a turning point: "a watershed in modern American history, a time that ... forever changed American social attitudes" . .
... "Broadcasters are "eroding" television's 9pm watershed by scheduling adult material before or just after the cut-off time ..." .
2007-07-23 02:25:27 · answer #3 · answered by jim bo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is believed to have German origins:-
watershed - something that separates one time or age or era from another, or a historically significant event that causes or marks great change. The literal meaning is a division or separation of a river or waterway that causes the flow to divide. It's from the German wasserscheide. Wasser is obviously water. Scheide here is from the is the verb Scheiden to divorce or part or separate, not to be confused with the other use of the German word scheide which means something rather different (look it up in a German dictionary..)
2007-07-23 04:41:21 · answer #4 · answered by Angel A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mary Whitehouse.
2007-07-23 02:21:45 · answer #5 · answered by golfgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, gosh, I thought you were talking about a pump house...
2007-07-23 03:19:20 · answer #6 · answered by lovely_lady_lavender 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
might be something to do with adverts...so you can visit the loo
2007-07-25 06:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by tim 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋