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I simply disagree that the group which coins a term gets to control its usage or its colloquial definition. That's not a reflection of my preference, it's just
by sjwright 6y ago
I simply disagree that the group which coins a term gets to control its usage or its colloquial definition. That's not a reflection of my preference, it's just my own observation of reality. In reality, words mean whatever the recipient thinks it means. In practice, that means the assumptions of the median person overrule any formal definition.
- Brian_K_White 6y agoThey didn't write a law for the purpose of oppression and human farming. They presented a suggestion for everyone's benefit and sanity, and everyone adopted it voluntarily because it was beneficial and sane. This argument is neither.
- sjwright 6y agoI'm not arguing for benefits or sanity. I'm not claiming it's a good outcome, or that it's an outcome I prefer. Far from it—I wish it was as you describe. I wish we didn't have to keep inventing new words as existing ones get corrupted by improper use.