Feel free to share your theories or pet peeves on this subject.
Lately, I'm hearing this one, for an American it's strange that this mundane term, one would associate with pets, has become the buzzword of industry and the White House. It's true though, there is a dang lack of "vetting" in the world!
vet [ˈvɛt]:
origin: (noun, 1800s) noun, (verb, 1900s) Latin; veterīnārius= draught animals (able to bear burden), veto= "to prohibit or forbid".
noun
1. Vet = short for veterinarian, or a doctor who examines and diagnoses animals -- usually pets, although the shortened version was made popular from horse-racing slang.
2. Because English delights in being confusing, it can also be short for a veteran (retired soldier).
verb
Chiefly British until recently; To appraise or check for accuracy; to scrutinize; an investigative process to ensure the aptness and credibility of a subject for a position or role.