This really is the most bizarre discussion.
"What is the definition of this word?"
"Here it is."
"That's not the definition, though!"
"Yes, it is. You can look it up in a dictionary."
"But here are some people that don't fit the definition-"
"Then it doesn't apply."
"But I want to call them that!"
"That doesn't matter. The definition still doesn't apply."
"But in the past the definition was different!"
"That doesn't matter. The definition is what it is today."
"But it can actually be whatever anyone wants it to!"
...It's like watching an endless Abbott and Costello bit, only there's never a punchline. Or a gag. Or anything, really. Just people tilting at the dictionary hard enough to make Quixote's head spin.
"What is the definition of this word?"
"Here it is."
"That's not the definition, though!"
"Yes, it is. You can look it up in a dictionary."
"But here are some people that don't fit the definition-"
"Then it doesn't apply."
"But I want to call them that!"
"That doesn't matter. The definition still doesn't apply."
"But in the past the definition was different!"
"That doesn't matter. The definition is what it is today."
"But it can actually be whatever anyone wants it to!"
...It's like watching an endless Abbott and Costello bit, only there's never a punchline. Or a gag. Or anything, really. Just people tilting at the dictionary hard enough to make Quixote's head spin.
"Owl," said Rabbit shortly, "you and I have brains. The others have fluff. If there is any thinking to be done in this Forest - and when I say thinking I mean thinking - you and I must do it."
- A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
- A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
