Of course they do- language evolves. However, at what point do we decide that a word's meaning has changed? The dictionary definition of the word "intercourse" is still one of personal communication -of any kind. The word preceding it modifies or defines its narrower meaning- hence sexual intercourse, or perhaps social intercourse. A more comprehensive dictionary entry will recognise that standing alone it is often taken as read that sex is the meaning -by some people-, that doesn't mean that it's the correct one. That's often down to context - it might have that meaning to people who are unaware of its etymology, but not amongst those who are, so who decides which is right? If you go into a pub and announce " I've just seen a pair of great tits outside" you'll get a predictable reaction- say it in an RSPB meeting you'll get an entirely different one. Throughout history there have been grumpy old gits like me bemoaning the impoverishment of language due to the loss of subtle, but clear distinctions between words. I'm aware that words change, I accept that it happens- that doesn't mean I have to approve of it.
She has another kid about 3 months ago. It's already a regular in the Cheese. She's has a couple taken off her in the past. Can't think why.
Everyone thinks that the version of language used and word definitions they grew up learning is the correct one and shouldn't change. Despite it being modified from what their grandparents would have used. I mentioned decimate earlier. I play a game on my phone (Heroes of Steel) and the bad guys keep threatening to decimate me. 1/10th damage... That's not so bad. (not what they mean though).
If the word intercourse means sexual intercourse, then why use the word sexual at all in that instance...? Intercourse can mean other things depending on how it is used, that's why.
Cheeky. Exactly. A word that has been hi-jacked to give it a specialised meaning which it doesn't actually have.
Dave Gorman covered this in one of his recent shows. He mentioned how people can hear and then say a saying wrong but it gets repeated enough times for it to take on its own meaning. Or they heard and repeated it right but took the wrong meaning, again if enough people do it it becomes a new term.
DIDN'T actually have. Like it or not, it does now. If you said RHC and Gerrez had gay intercourse I guarantee (almost) no one would think you meant they had a happy chat. Until recently "Bling" was not a word but it is now because annoying people have used it a lot to the point it means something to everyone now. If you said "I'm going into the woods to look for ***gots" No one would think you were looking for twigs and sticks despite that being what that word "actually means" according to the dictionary. The meaning of a word is what people think it means. Same as with money. Just like the value of £ is really only what people think it is. If people thought a quid was equivalent in value to that of a Freddos then that is what it will have the buying power to purchase.
Not entirely true. I don't think that- as I said earlier I'm well aware that it evolves. However, for me, there's a distinction between a natural evolution of a word and its misuse through ignorance of its correct meaning. Decimate is another of my pet hates. The word derives from the Latin root for 10, the same as decade or December. It originates in the lovely habit of executing every 10th member of a military unit for a serious crime, like mutiny. Of course, not everyone will know that meaning. As I said- words change, but at what point do we accept that a word has officially changed? The point of communication is to get your meaning across to others, and when people have a different understanding of words then communication becomes more difficult, or breaks down. When the vast majority of people understand a word to mean one thing, then it's good communication to use it in that way. Still, there'll always be a few moaners like me. I'm not going to change at this stage.
In a football context, the one that does me every time I hear it, is 'cynical challenge' it's become accepted parlance but it's absolute bullshit.
