• Zorque@lemmy.world
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    12 hours ago

    We’re always redefining words, that’s how language works. This isn’t even close to the most egregious within the last couple decades.

    • Ulrich@feddit.org
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      9 hours ago

      Language works when words have a common meaning between the speaker and the listener. When 2 parties have 2 different interpretations of the same word because 1 decided they were going to manipulate into meaning something different from the commonly understood one, language breaks down, and we get senseless arguments among people who otherwise agree outside of semantics.

      So no, that’s not how language works.

      • Zorque@lemmy.world
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        8 hours ago

        Literally means figuratively now.

        Yes, language changes, that is why you don’t rely solely on individual words to define your argument.

        The reason people might argue despite agreeing outside semantics is that they never bothered to go beyond a very basic explanation of their argument. If your sole disagreement comes from a differing interpretation of a word… then do your best to define your argument better. Otherwise you’re just arguing for the sake of arguing.

        • Ulrich@feddit.org
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          6 hours ago

          Literally means figuratively now.

          Which is an excellent example of how stupid this is because this word has literally lost all meaning, thank you.

          then do your best to define your argument better.

          My argument is that manipulating definitions to suit an agenda is stupid nonsense.

    • sorghum@sh.itjust.works
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      12 hours ago

      Yeah, “purchasing” movies or shows comes to mind. When streaming services revoke access and never grant a way to download them, did you ever really purchase the movie or did you just rent it?

      • Ulrich@feddit.org
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        9 hours ago

        An excellent example of the negative impact of the manipulation of definitions.