Liquid dishwashing detergents, not soap

[DaveC426913]

I'll propose a "Don Quixote Award" for people that excel in trying to control how language evolves and its common usage. Go for it! Fix language! Fight the good fight! Unfortunately I gave up long ago. Being weak of character, I can't help. I think "irregardless" was my Waterloo.

Communication is a two way street. Those busy changing it are just as "trying to control it" as those busy not changing it.

How many does it take?
If I start asserting that "red is blue" how many do I have to get behind me before you can't tell me I'm wrong anymore?


I'm having a heated discussion over on another forum about the uses of the word "theory".

A lot of people prefer to think of a theory as just some ideas some scientists like, and that, say, the Atomic Theory of Matter is "just a theory" and that evolution is "just a theory", and so might as likely be wrong as right. We all OK with that "change"?

 

[edwardII]

Don't get confused and do this.

 

[symbolipoint]

Of course there are always those who resist change. They eventually die.

And so does everyone else.

 

[symbolipoint]

Post #31
Reaction: I am not sure if I "Like" it, or is it "Informative". I gave a "Like".

 

[JT Smith]

And so does everyone else.

Of course but the point is that the objections of a minority die along with the people.

 

[JT Smith]

If I start asserting that "red is blue" how many do I have to get behind me before you can't tell me I'm wrong anymore?

That's not a good example. Red is already blue provided you achieve an appropriate relative velocity.

But in general I think the answer is: Enough so that it's adopted by the dictionaries.

 

[pinball1970]

Red is already blue provided you achieve an appropriate relative velocity

Towards us yes. A thread is probably on its last legs if grammar takes over.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Towards us yes. A thread is probably on its last legs if grammar takes over.

That;s not grammar! That's diction! Word choice! As in DICTIONary! It makes me so mad when people do thia!




(Time to close?)

 

[DaveC426913]

Of course but the point is that the objections of a minority die along with the people.

When exactly did it become the "minority"?

 

[JT Smith]

When exactly did it become the "minority"?

When the number fell below 50%.

 

[DrClaude]

This went well... Thread closed.