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Words
Nov 25, 2008 16:33:58 GMT -7
Post by electroshock on Nov 25, 2008 16:33:58 GMT -7
GRAAAHHH!!! I hate the current use of words. People are saying "oh, that's so beast!" Since when is "beast" an adjective? The definition of beast, from www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beastMain Entry: beast Pronunciation: \ˈbēst\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English beste, from Anglo-French, from Latin bestia Date: 13th century 1 a: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrate b: a lower animal as distinguished from a human being c: an animal as distinguished from a plant d: an animal under human control2: a contemptible person3: something formidably difficult to control or deal with Does it, anywhere, mention adjective? It just upsets me so, incredibly much! And don't get me started on texting. (on a side note: the computer dictionary doesn't even recognize the word "texting") Most people text/IM like this: "OMG did u c tht movie?" That's not even English! Is this the future of classic literature? In time to come, will Shakespeare's work be nothing more than: "1ce mo unto d breach, dEr fRnds, 1ce mo; o clOs d wall ^ w our eng ded. n (-<-) therz Nuttin so bcumz a mang az modest stillness & humility: bt wen d blast of wR bloz n our ears, thN imitate d actN of d tigR; Stiffen d sinews, summon ^ d bl%d," (Henry V, Act III, Scene 1) IT JUST OUTRIGHT UPSETS ME!!!!!!!!
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Words
Nov 27, 2008 8:58:17 GMT -7
Post by Pem on Nov 27, 2008 8:58:17 GMT -7
Interesting use of the word beast... Now I'm not against new use of words, but that isn't even really creative. If you want to make words that are going to stand the test of time make sure it actually has meaning behind it. I'm going to assume the use being explained there is supposed to indicate something appealing? People should make use of words that have become more dormant as such. "That is so chic." or if you are feeling creative "That is so probo" Probo being latin to indicate something desirable.
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Words
Nov 27, 2008 20:38:14 GMT -7
Post by electroshock on Nov 27, 2008 20:38:14 GMT -7
Yes, when used as an "adjective", the word "beast" is used to refer to something incredible or awesome. For example, if a piece of artwork is considered beast, the piece of artwork is astounding or very well done.
As for using Latin phrases in everyday language, I'm all for it. (I'm currently taking Latin). Latin isn't just for nerds, lawyers, and doctors anymore. Most people don't even know that they use Latin. In one of the most successful movies of my lifetime, "High School Musical", an entire song is about a Latin phrase (Status Quo(which, on a seperate note, means "that which stands"))
And when did the word "like" become an interjection? you'll listen to teenage girls talk and their conversation will be similar to the following: "And i was like, no way. and he was all like, yeah way. And then we like, had a fight. I'm like, totally thinking about like, dumping him." I may be exaggerating, but not by much. One thing that makes me happy is that one teacher at my school will ask you an open ended question and if you say "like" more than, say, five times in four sentences, she'll make you shut up and she'll move on to the next person.
English is already so warped and twisted. Why would anyone try and make it more complicated?
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Words
Nov 28, 2008 9:05:59 GMT -7
Post by Pem on Nov 28, 2008 9:05:59 GMT -7
Well I personally am all for the evolution of the English language but not when said changes occurring is the insertion of unnecessary or even redundant words. As for the "like" phenomenon, it began approximately during the 80's with the valley girl trend. I will admit during the height of the phenomenon not even I was immune to it, I would often catch myself abusing the word. However, I got over it. Simple vocabularies are indicative of people who are content with their current set of words, they enjoy their own status quo if I may borrow the phrase you mentioned. I'm more familiar with it in a political sense. As for latin being used more often, I would argue it never left being used often. QED, ie., eg. cf., vice versa, vs. etc... are all latin based. Ergo (latin), we use it as part of our everyday life.
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Words
Nov 30, 2008 9:03:06 GMT -7
Post by electroshock on Nov 30, 2008 9:03:06 GMT -7
For Latin use, it entirely depends on who you speak with. Pem, you're in college, correct? Studying in a field of science. You are surrounded by well educated and intelligent people. I, on the other hand, am in high school. Surrounded by idiots, morons, and the occasional sign of intelligent life. Now, i'm not saying that all high school aged people are stupid, but i am also a freshman. Most people i know haven't been through their four years. I, not to toot my own horn (even though i am a bit), am a relative genius. As an unfortunate fact of my life, I severely lack in work ethic. This prevented me from attending TJHSST, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, for my GPA was not high enough. But that is my own fault. Anyway, Also, this upsets me a little, I know all the words in my vocabulary books for the next two years (this and next). I had my current vocab book last year, and i looked through my sisters (a sophomore), and found that i know at least 90% of the words.
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