Language

Words have meaning. I know that comes as a shock to some people, but it is true. Words don't have intrinsic meaning, but they do have meanings we have come to agree upon to enable communication.

I have been told on a number of occasions that the dictionary is not the arbiter of definitions. While I do agree with this there seems to be something that a lot of people are forgetting. Dictionaries get updated. I know it's a bit shocking, but dictionaries get updated with definitions for words as they are used in modern languages. Sure, you can use words in new ways that may change the meaning. However, when you start using different definitions for words you can't expect people to understand what you meant to say.

Here is an example. If I said, "The nuptials the cops used were titillating." Everyone would have a different understanding than if I said, "The handcuffs the cops used where painful." Even if the second is what I meant by the first statement, I could not rightfully expect anyone to understand what it was I was trying to say.

I think George Carlin said it best.

"Here's one they just made up: "near miss". When two planes almost collide, they call it a near miss. It's a near hit. A collision is a near miss."

Dictionaries attempt to provide definitions of words based on how they are used. Yes, they can fall a bit behind because words are used differently all the time and new meanings emerge. However, if it's not in the dictionary, you can't assume anyone is going to understand what it is you are talking about. The simple fact is, if you don't define a term then the only other option is to use a dictionary to look up the definition if it's not understood. Therefore, everyone either needs to define their terms before speaking or use the ones that are already defined in the dictionary.

Here is another example. The dictionary has this to say about the word stupid.

stupid

adjective

1. lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull.

2. characterized by or proceeding from mental dullness; foolish; senseless: a stupid question.

3. tediously dull, especially due to lack of meaning or sense; inane; pointless: a stupid party.

4. annoying or irritating; troublesome: Turn off that stupid radio.

5. in a state of stupor; stupefied: stupid from fatigue.

6. Slang. excellent; terrific.

noun

7. Informal. a stupid person.

You can see by the multitude of definitions the meaning has changed over time and based on context can be understood to meet one of these definitions. Great. Whoever, when I use the word stupid I mean someone that is willfully ignorant. Can I really expect people to know this? No, unless I tell them, how would they know?

Here is one that gets people confused all the time and it's mainly because they do not look up the definition.

theory

noun

1. a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.

4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice:music theory.

5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles: conflicting theories of how children best learn to read.

6. contemplation or speculation: the theory that there is life on other planets.

7. guess or conjecture: My theory is that he never stops to think words have consequences.

8. in theory, ideally; hypothetically: In theory, mapping the human genome may lead to thousands of cures.

 Most people say theory and mean something similar to 6, 7, and 8. However, when scientist use theory they mean 1. Though many people seem to confuse this. They make it seem as though scientist are also using 6,7, or 8. This is how some misunderstandings happen. Other times, people do it on purpose to confuse and misinform others.

I guess what I'm trying to say with all of this is, say what you mean and mean what you say. Stop all the crap of "The dictionary doesn't define language". Define any terms you choose to use differently so everyone can understand what you mean. Otherwise, you are just blabbing nonsense. Then again, I'm just a guy named rug. You know, a floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor or a toupee or wig. Though most people would understand it as, the guy by the door with no arms and no legs that everyone wipes their feet on. Take is as you wish, but that is what I think.