Thread: watts in a word?

malevolence: noun: 'the state or condition of being malevolent; hostility

Being a bit of a word chewer I've developed a distaste for the malignant mutation of definitions that appear to have entered the common acceptance. Take the supplied example for instance. The definition supplied to this word is decidedly vindictive without supplying any definition of the nature of the spite. The Latin language was created for objectivity where this definition, less than subtlely, points the finger at a perpetrator and is subjective. My comprehension of the Latin construction of this word defines it as an individuals improper assumption of the role of another for the purpose of domination or undermining. I assume their will be other opinions here?

Sounds like an example of the etymological fallacy to me.

What it meant in Latin is irrelevant, it is an English word.

Originally Posted by Strange

Sounds like an example of the etymological fallacy to me.

What it meant in Latin is irrelevant, it is an English word.

It appears you are an expert on all things. Have you visited your peers at Oxford of late?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

It appears you are an expert on all things.

I don't know what gives you that impression. I am not an expert on anything.

Have you visited your peers at Oxford of late?

I have been in Oxford recently. Although most people there appeared to have degrees and PhDs, so I don't think I count as a peer.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

It appears you are an expert on all things. Have you visited your peers at Oxford of late?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I don't seek to offend others.

You simply do it automatically?

Do you refer to the queens english or something more vulgar strange. There really is no lesser standard among those who regulate the laws you abide by. I prefer not to dabble in the subjective verbosity you boast.

Originally Posted by RedPanda

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

It appears you are an expert on all things. Have you visited your peers at Oxford of late?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I don't seek to offend others.

You simply do it automatically?

and my offense to you has been? Specifically?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Originally Posted by RedPanda

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

It appears you are an expert on all things. Have you visited your peers at Oxford of late?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I don't seek to offend others.

You simply do it automatically?

and my offense to you has been? Specifically?

Ah - I see that you like strawmen.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you refer to the queens english or something more vulgar strange. There really is no lesser standard among those who regulate the laws you abide by. I prefer not to dabble in the subjective verbosity you boast.

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character. Are you seeking to assert this sort of rhabid perception on my impressionable learning mind?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character. Are you seeking to assert this sort of rhabid perception on my impressionable learning mind?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I don't seek to offend others.

It actually seems to be your default behaviour.

Somehow you managed to get upset at the 4 polite messages that Strange posted.
It would appear that you are unable to accept any criticism.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you refer to the queens english or something more vulgar strange. There really is no lesser standard among those who regulate the laws you abide by. I prefer not to dabble in the subjective verbosity you boast.

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character. Are you seeking to assert this sort of rhabid perception on my impressionable learning mind?

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Originally Posted by RedPanda

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character. Are you seeking to assert this sort of rhabid perception on my impressionable learning mind?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I don't seek to offend others.

It actually seems to be your default behaviour.

Somehow you managed to get upset at the 4 polite messages that Strange posted.
It would appear that you are unable to accept any criticism.

What on earth gave you any idea that I am upset. I am here to discuss things with people I know. If you think I would take the time to get upset at people throwing stones without any names or references on them you are sorely mistaken. You have failed to provide a single criticism or I would have addressed it. Flailing your verbal giblets at me is laughable.

Originally Posted by Strange

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you refer to the queens english or something more vulgar strange. There really is no lesser standard among those who regulate the laws you abide by. I prefer not to dabble in the subjective verbosity you boast.

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character. Are you seeking to assert this sort of rhabid perception on my impressionable learning mind?

I have no idea what you are talking about.

I don't think I am the only one who has noticed that.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

What on earth gave you any idea that I am upset.

Then you are offensive even when calm.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

I am here to discuss things with people I know.

This isn't your own private forum.
You don't get to choose who replies.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

You have failed to provide a single criticism or I would have addressed it.

So, you don't consider me pointing out your rudeness to be a criticism?
Maybe you are so used to being accused of being rude that you are now immune.

Originally Posted by Strange

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

Do you come from a "fatherland" strange. There are a few scallious regions of the world remaining that resent the free expression of the feminine character.

I have no idea what you are talking about.

He is implying that you live in Nazi Germany and that you, by extension, are a Nazi.

It is an obfuscated Godwin, so you have won the argument on a technicality.

As you are fond of words here's one:

Pseud:
n1. a false, artificial, or pretentious person...

Chiefly Brit. Informal. n.
1. a person of fatuously earnest intellectual, artistic, or social pretensions

I think the second definition describes you quite well...

Originally Posted by PhDemon

As you are fond of words here's one:

Pseud:
n1. a false, artificial, or pretentious person...

Chiefly Brit. Informal. n.
1. a person of fatuously earnest intellectual, artistic, or social pretensions

I think the second definition describes you quite well...

are those words you are unhappy with the meaning of? I started this thread to discuss improperly constitued definitions. You seem to have a penchant for cheese grating.

wibble, wibble, my old man's a mushroom etc.

I think it is extraordinary that someone who claims to be concerned with the "true" definition of words, makes up meaningless phrases like "cheese grating" and words like "scallious".

Originally Posted by Strange

...words like "scallious".

I thought it was just another typo - but I couldn't figure out what the word was actually meant to be.
The nearest I got was "scallion" but that's an onion.

Originally Posted by Strange

I think it is extraordinary that someone who claims to be concerned with the "true" definition of words, makes up meaningless phrases like "cheese grating" and words like "scallious".

and you would prefer that I make some sort of contrite personal distinction. I borrow from what you present as the "first impression" you seek to maintain with your avatar choice and handle. The practice of assuming it is my place to delve deeper into the character of another than where it is openly invited is one I seek to avoid.

Originally Posted by RedPanda

Originally Posted by Strange

...words like "scallious".

I thought it was just another typo - but I couldn't figure out what the word was actually meant to be.
The nearest I got was "scallion" but that's an onion.

it is an old nautical term that refers to the lowly job of deckscrubbing

In which dictionary?

Definitions of scallious - OneLook Dictionary Search

This site accesses all the main ones and it isn't in any of them.

Originally Posted by PhDemon

In which dictionary?

Definitions of scallious - OneLook Dictionary Search

This site accesses all the main ones and it isn't in any of them.

you won't find the pirate dictionary in that one I'm afraid. you might get lost looking for that little tome I'd warn you

He may have meant scullion:
Scullion - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

and I would remind you phdublins, I used the word scallious to avoid being genuinely personal. You are winding a wheel that is not relevant to this discourse. what is your purpose?

And now you have reached idiot critical mass. You claim to be interested in language and then cite a made up word from a made up dictionary. You are obviously trolling so I'll report you and put you on ignore.

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

and you would prefer that I make some sort of contrite personal distinction.

I would prefer that you attempt to make sense.

Originally Posted by Strange

He may have meant scullion:
Scullion - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

no no. a scullion is a cooked scallion when your before the wind. it has a lot to do with the intention for which the word was applied

Originally Posted by Strange

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

and you would prefer that I make some sort of contrite personal distinction.

I would prefer that you attempt to make sense.

as I would prefer you to address the subject matter rather than try to work "me" out. I didn't come here to talk about me. why do you persist on that subject?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

as I would prefer you to address the subject matter

What is the subject matter?

Originally Posted by cameldowndelta

you won't find the pirate dictionary in that one I'm afraid. you might get lost looking for that little tome I'd warn you

So now you are propagating made-up words.
So much for your defence of the English language.

meaning is use

Originally Posted by Trivium

meaning is use

so why diminish a definitive?

What is wrong with you? Why do you feel the need to keep creating new accounts just to post nonsense? Why not just get a Twitter account.

mal - malodorous, malicious / malfeasance, malignancy

vol - volatility
vol - volition

en - in

endo - encephalo - engy -




The Latin word - malevolence is the word opposite to the Greek - emulate

hostility is simply wasted breath

Originally Posted by Strange

What is wrong with you? Why do you feel the need to keep creating new accounts just to post nonsense? Why not just get a Twitter account.

why not address the question I posted or is this genuinely a clicque rather than a forum?

Originally Posted by pailfuss

why not address the question I posted or is this genuinely a clicque rather than a forum?

You haven't posted an intelligible question.

excuse me? I asked in plain english why the word malevolence had been given a diminished definition. I have now provided the Latin roots for the word AND the word that represents it's Greek counterpart. If you do not comprehend the construction of Latin or Greek I suggest you contribute to another thread

malevolence was never an english word. don't claim what isn't yours plagiarists. plato said so

Sigh another tedious sockpuppet, you were boring (and stupid) the first time. Ban please.

Originally Posted by PhDemon

Sigh another tedious sockpuppet, you were boring (and stupid) the first time. Ban please.

point out where and how I am wrong and I will concede as you are incapable of. I maintain, malevolence is and always will be a Latin word, not an English one and the definition should not be changed to diminish the publics ability to reason

the word is also the counterpart of the greek - emulate. Anyone who has studied both languages could not disagree

Etymological fallacy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by pailfuss

excuse me? I asked in plain english why the word malevolence had been given a diminished definition.

Who do you think has "given" words their definition?

words get their meanings from the way they are used. No one is in control of it.

I have now provided the Latin roots for the word AND the word that represents it's Greek counterpart.

Which is irrelevant because we are talking about English, not Latin or Greek.

Whaddya know.

It's sockpuppet the stupid again.

Banned. Closed.