3 ms·

Not to mention "organic" which now has a legal definition (not an ideal one, but still.)

nobody9999 4y ago
>Not to mention "organic" which now has a legal definition (not an ideal one, but still.) Personally, I always preferred the scientific definition[0] over the marketing/legal one. [0] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/organic https://www.dictionary.com/browse/organic
- jrockway 4y ago
  Words in English often have multiple meanings. Nobody is confused that you can use a string in a computer program, or use string to annoy your cat or tie up a package. "Organic" is the same way; when it's on food, it's not referring to the branch of chemistry. No computer scientist is confused about string being a physical thing. No organic chemist is confused by the "organic" label on their food. My takeaway is that we should start asking mechanical engineers to "reverse a string" in their interviews, though.
  - nobody9999 4y ago
    >Words in English often have multiple meanings. How is that relevant here, given that I said I preferred one definition over another? Did I say I was confused? Did I even imply that others might be confused? Did you somehow think I was unaware that some words have multiple meanings, or did you just ignore that which didn't fit how you chose to read my comment?
    - jrockway 4y ago
      Does it matter that you prefer one definition over another? If you want to talk to other people, you have to use their definition. Every time organic food is mentioned on HN, someone is quick to point out "haha does that mean food that contains carbon haha", and the word simply doesn't mean that in this context. It's tiring.
      - nobody9999 4y ago
        >Does it matter that you prefer one definition over another? Well, (obviously, since I bothered to post about it) yes it does -- to me. Are you somehow claiming that I must prefer something just because it's in the vernacular? >Every time organic food is mentioned on HN, someone is quick to point out "haha does that mean food that contains carbon haha", and the word simply doesn't mean that in this context. It's tiring. Well, "organic" does (you know, ISTR someone saying that words sometimes have multiple meanings. I wonder who that could have been?) mean "contains carbon." Perhaps you should have a nap now, as you seem to be a little cranky.
        pessimizer 4y ago
        I think people are desperately trying to figure out what your point is. Are you trying to demonstrate that you know what the word "organic" means? Or are you just talking about things you like? Do you like ice cream?
        nobody9999 4y ago
        >I think people are desperately trying to figure out what your point is. In case causality is an unfamiliar concept, my point was to reply to another comment[0] (which made a value judgement vis-a-vis the "legal" definition of the word) with my thoughts. Desperately? Really? That assertion is right up there with "Bad grammar is the leading cause of death in the Western Hemisphere." In case my point isn't clear here, I'll clarify by saying that both are ridiculous assertions. >Are you trying to demonstrate that you know what the word "organic" means? Nope. Just expressing myself. I'm really not clear why some folks are so put off by dictionary definitions, especially something so uncontroversial. Perhaps some folks (like myself) have way too much time on their hands. >Or are you just talking about things you like? Do you like ice cream? Actually, I said prefer, not "like." While there is some confluence in meaning there, those are not synonyms. And yes. I am fond of ice cream. Thanks for asking! [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31898793 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31898793

>Not to mention "organic" which now has a legal definition (not an ideal one, but still.) Personally, I always preferred the scientific definition[0] over the marketing/legal one. [0] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/organic https://www.dictionary.com/browse/organic

jrockway 4y ago
Words in English often have multiple meanings. Nobody is confused that you can use a string in a computer program, or use string to annoy your cat or tie up a package. "Organic" is the same way; when it's on food, it's not referring to the branch of chemistry. No computer scientist is confused about string being a physical thing. No organic chemist is confused by the "organic" label on their food. My takeaway is that we should start asking mechanical engineers to "reverse a string" in their interviews, though.
- nobody9999 4y ago
  >Words in English often have multiple meanings. How is that relevant here, given that I said I preferred one definition over another? Did I say I was confused? Did I even imply that others might be confused? Did you somehow think I was unaware that some words have multiple meanings, or did you just ignore that which didn't fit how you chose to read my comment?
  - jrockway 4y ago
    Does it matter that you prefer one definition over another? If you want to talk to other people, you have to use their definition. Every time organic food is mentioned on HN, someone is quick to point out "haha does that mean food that contains carbon haha", and the word simply doesn't mean that in this context. It's tiring.
    - nobody9999 4y ago
      >Does it matter that you prefer one definition over another? Well, (obviously, since I bothered to post about it) yes it does -- to me. Are you somehow claiming that I must prefer something just because it's in the vernacular? >Every time organic food is mentioned on HN, someone is quick to point out "haha does that mean food that contains carbon haha", and the word simply doesn't mean that in this context. It's tiring. Well, "organic" does (you know, ISTR someone saying that words sometimes have multiple meanings. I wonder who that could have been?) mean "contains carbon." Perhaps you should have a nap now, as you seem to be a little cranky.
      - pessimizer 4y ago
        I think people are desperately trying to figure out what your point is. Are you trying to demonstrate that you know what the word "organic" means? Or are you just talking about things you like? Do you like ice cream?
        nobody9999 4y ago
        >I think people are desperately trying to figure out what your point is. In case causality is an unfamiliar concept, my point was to reply to another comment[0] (which made a value judgement vis-a-vis the "legal" definition of the word) with my thoughts. Desperately? Really? That assertion is right up there with "Bad grammar is the leading cause of death in the Western Hemisphere." In case my point isn't clear here, I'll clarify by saying that both are ridiculous assertions. >Are you trying to demonstrate that you know what the word "organic" means? Nope. Just expressing myself. I'm really not clear why some folks are so put off by dictionary definitions, especially something so uncontroversial. Perhaps some folks (like myself) have way too much time on their hands. >Or are you just talking about things you like? Do you like ice cream? Actually, I said prefer, not "like." While there is some confluence in meaning there, those are not synonyms. And yes. I am fond of ice cream. Thanks for asking! [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31898793 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31898793