Definitions come from how people use words, not the other way around.
That’s how Trump can get away with his lies in the USA. 🙄
Despite of what brainwashed USians may think, words do not create a reality.
Person who lives in the USA is as much of an American as a person from Brazil, Mexico or Canada. The same as European means a person living in Europe, not necessarily in the European Union.
So can you or I. At least a quarter billion people say “America” and mean “United States of America” every day, and at least a quarter billion people hear them say it and understand what they mean. Therefore, the meaning of that word has skewed.
If you picture an “American” in your mind I know damn well the first thing that pops into your head is not a resident of Brazil, and that is what language is actually about. Moving ideas, not definitions.
I promise your random Mastodon screenshot is not as definitive as millennia of language evolution. Also, you’re assuming I’m american when I could damn well be a European etymologist for all you know
Definitions come from words. Words do not come from definitions. Your random Mastodon screenshot is not as definitive as millennia of language evolution
That’s how Trump can get away with his lies in the USA. 🙄
Despite of what brainwashed USians may think, words do not create a reality.
Person who lives in the USA is as much of an American as a person from Brazil, Mexico or Canada. The same as European means a person living in Europe, not necessarily in the European Union.
So can you or I. At least a quarter billion people say “America” and mean “United States of America” every day, and at least a quarter billion people hear them say it and understand what they mean. Therefore, the meaning of that word has skewed.
If you picture an “American” in your mind I know damn well the first thing that pops into your head is not a resident of Brazil, and that is what language is actually about. Moving ideas, not definitions.
Keep dreaming, USian.
Appeal to Authority
Actual research
I promise your random Mastodon screenshot is not as definitive as millennia of language evolution. Also, you’re assuming I’m american when I could damn well be a European etymologist for all you know
Appeal to authority fallacy
An actual authority
Definitions come from words. Words do not come from definitions. Your random Mastodon screenshot is not as definitive as millennia of language evolution