From: David Buchanan (DBuchanan@ClassicalRadio.org)
Date: Sat Sep 13 2003 - 23:50:08 BST
Matt said:
So, when I say "flexible" I mean that I don't think the dictionary somehow
gets a word correct. (Hell, the dictionary doesn't even think it gets words
correct, otherwise why would there be more then one entry per word?) Mutual
understanding involves people getting together and agreeing on definitions
of words, or translations of words, or whatever.
dmb says:
Yes, words can have more than one meaning. That doesn't mean the dictionary
is incorrect. (What kind of logic are you using here? I'd suggest you go
ahead and spend the money on a premium brand because that kind doesn't
work.)
But what I really want to point out is that you constantly use definitions
that can't be found in dictionaries. "Ironic" is an example. I can see that
you're using the term that is distantly related to the actual dictionary
definition. (Irony is when the actual meaning turns out to be the opposite
of the apparent or literal meaning.) But I can also see that you're using
the word is an esoteric pragmatic sense and you've provided only the vaguest
hint as to what that sense of the word is all about. It also seems to be
offered as a solution to a problem you have not described, except in more
esoteric terms that, in turn, also neeed to be explained. Again, if people
don't understand you, its your own damn fault.
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