Re: Proper language (was Re: Fat is a feminist issue)

In article <1370lobi91a0r03@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
"Suzanne Blom" <sueblom@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

"David Friedman" <ddfr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ddfr-C7A2D2.12240313062007@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In article <f4ovgm$u9$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, aahz@xxxxxxxxx (Aahz Maruch)
wrote:

In article <466FDF57.3040508@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Sea Wasp <seawaspObvious@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

While David's bluntness and direct use of language does sometimes
cause problems, in this case I think those arguing about it are more
the problem. To use the phrase in question, it may very well be true
that SOME people misuse the phrase to mean "but it probably ISN'T
true", but that's simply a misuse and one that should be called when
IT occurs. Someone using that phrase properly shouldn't be harrassed
over it.

What is "proper" when it comes to language? Do tell us where to find
the Academie Anglais.

I don't know.

But it's worth pointing out that when I got the first response implying
the misreading we're discussing, my reply to that gave a more explicit
statement of my view--that Marilee's account was probably substantially
accurate, but we didn't know it was. Replies accusing me of holding the
opposite opinion didn't stop.

This has happened to you enough by know that I would think you would realize
that this is in part a writing exercise. Obviously, the words you are using
are not getting across what you are attempting to convey.

To some people.

But then, as a writer, I regard writing something in a way that will
work for all possible readers as an unreasonably difficult goal.

--
http://www.daviddfriedman.com/ http://daviddfriedman.blogspot.com/
Author of _Harald_, a fantasy without magic.
Published by Baen, in bookstores now
.

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