Discussion: the `private def` idiom.

At my company we have begun using the idiom

private def quux(foo, bar)
  foo <= bar
end

Instead of:

private
def quux(foo, bar)
  foo <= bar
end

This makes private methods more explicit and makes it easier to understand which methods are private, as sometimes the private declaration is somewhere in the middle of a large class.

What do folks think of this idiom? Can we integrate a recommendation in the guide, or at least specify this as an acceptable alternative to the private declaration making all methods below it private?

Start by reviewing the existing 15-comment discussion to determine whether there is a settled recommendation for the private def idiom. If consensus can be reached, update the relevant Ruby style guide guidance; the work is done when the guide clearly states the preferred or acceptable form.