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> triggered Please don't misuse this word, it does not mean "annoyed", it is something serious that can happen to someone with PTSD. Unfortunately socially-cha
by dwb 7y ago
> triggered
Please don't misuse this word, it does not mean "annoyed", it is something serious that can happen to someone with PTSD. Unfortunately socially-challenged people with alt-right leanings have co-opted the term to harass vulnerable people. (Not saying you're any of this, it has seeped out into more general usage too, but it would be considerate of us to avoid it.)
- dang 7y agoWords develop multiple meanings. This word has passed beyond specialized usage. When that happens, the arrow of time is irreversible. I know this is painful when it's a word you have close associations with—I've felt that many times myself—but I don't think anything can be done about it. If the more general usage were malicious, I'd agree with you and stop using it, but I don't think it's malicious at all. It refers to a process that takes place in the human nervous system, one we all would do well to become more conscious of in ourselves. And it's the best word I know of for describing that. We can talk about activation as well, but that's a bit different and not always as clear.
- dwb 7y agoLinguistic descriptivism helps with what does tend to happen, not with what should happen. With sufficient effort, I think it's still possible to make a difference.