Dictionary Argument Fail

[kiya]

Someone is attempting to argue from the dictionary by picking the definitions that can be twisted to suit his agenda. Various people have pointed out that taking words with meanings in a particular context and using entries that apply to different contexts produces invalid results.

I finally lost my willingness to argue straight-up with someone that mendacious and asked if he liked Communist apples, environmentally-friendly apples, or cowardly apples.


Meanwhile, other places I read are once again places I consider posting my thoughts and then decide I'm fucking unsafe having that conversation there and shut up in. Ah, internets, I love you so.

Comments

[3treekisser.livejournal.com]

I think he's autistic.

[coraa.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

For what it's worth, I think that dictionary arguments are almost always fail, because they're almost always a way to ignore both connotation and context. And connotations and context, in the real world, are important.

[freyaw.livejournal.com]

I'd say he's a word geek, but that may be taken to mean a particular type of circus performer...

[zombie-dog.livejournal.com]

Anyone who reaches for a dictionary has already opted out of the privilege of discussion with me.

[green-knight.livejournal.com]

Communist apples are red. Environmentally friendly apples are quick to decompose. Cowardly apples are all shrunk and crumpled and trying not to draw attention to themselves.

That should make the choice easier ;-)

[sashajwolf.livejournal.com]

I finally lost my willingness to argue straight-up with someone that mendacious and asked if he liked Communist apples, environmentally-friendly apples, or cowardly apples.

I think I shall have to file that trick away for future use (if you don't mind, of course.)