> Even if it were, just because "the meaning of something is obvious," it doesn't follow that the words are standard or even well-formed. That's literally the

> Even if it were, just because "the meaning of something is obvious," it doesn't follow that the words are standard or even well-formed. That's literally the linguistics definition of "standard or well-formed", so no. > So I'm not really sure what is it exactly that you're trying to argue here. Linguistics is a science, there are mathematical models that natural languages adhere to. Regardless of the social trappings around "standard"/acceptable speech, language really does follow mathematical laws. That's why these puzzles are meaningful and not just diversions for fun.